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Disability References

Global: Professional Reference Centre

Provided as a free service to Global Agency staff and professional colleagues and students in the disability care sector.

NOTE: Some references may move location or become out-of-date. To request an addition to this web page and possible inclusion in the Global e-Gazette: Disability & Aged Care e-newsletter please email GlobalGazetteDisabilityAgeing@gmail.com

 

Launch of the first World Disability Report

More than one billion people worldwide experience some form of disability, the United Nations and the World Bank said today in a report that calls for the elimination of barriers that often force the people with disabilities to “the margins of society.”

The World Report on Disability, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, with contributions from over 380 experts, urges governments to “to step up efforts to enable access to mainstream services and to invest in specialized programmes to unlock the vast potential of people with disabilities.”

“Disability is part of the human condition,” said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan at a ceremony in UN headquarters to launch the report. “Almost every one of us will be permanently or temporarily disabled at some point in life.”

“We must do more to break the barriers which segregate people with disabilities, in many cases forcing them to the margins of society,” Dr. Chan said.

Etienne Krug, a WHO disability specialist, suggested that the barriers themselves are a cause of disability. “Disability results a lot from the barriers that society erects for people with disabilities,” he said, “barriers such as stigma and discrimination; such as lack of access to health services and rehabilitation services or problems of access to transportation and buildings and information services.”

About 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, of whom 2-4% experience significant difficulties in functioning. The global disability prevalence is higher than previous WHO estimates, which date from the 1970s and suggested a figure of around 10%. This global estimate for disability is on the rise due to population ageing and the rapid spread of chronic diseases, as well as improvements in the methodologies used to measure disability.

More information: http://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/en/index.html

Technical content

Full and summary report and separate chapters in various languages. More information

Disability support services 2008-09

Disability support services 2008-09 reports on data collected as part of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement National Minimum Data Set (CSTDA NMDS) between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009. The NMDS provides information on services funded under the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement to 30 December 2009 and its replacement, the National Disability Agreement from 1 January 2009. This report describes the service outlets and the uses of these services, including their support needs and informal carer arrangements. AIHW catalogue number (DIS58). Available from CanPrint for $34.00 (1300 889 873). Click on the link to view the media release and report.

Telstra's Disability Equipment Program has been designed to provide eligible customers with specialised equipment to access the standard telephone service. People with a disability who are unable to access the standard telephone handset may find Telstra's Disability Equipment Program useful. Telstra's Disability Equipment Program Products and Services:

  • Teletypewriters (TTYs)
  • Computer Modems
  • Telephones
  • Telephone Accessories

Click here for more information and application details.

Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Program Report on the 2008-09 Minimum Data Set

 Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Program: Report on the 2008-09 Minimum Data Set includes information from the 2008-09 younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Minimum Data Set (YPIRAC MDS). It summarises the characteristics of people who were 'on the books' during 2008-09 and the YPIRAC services they received. AIHW catalogue number (DIS 57). Available from CanPrint for $ 29.00 (1300 889 873). Click on the link to view the media release and report.

Funding round for young people with disabilities open now

Funding round for young people with disabilities open now 

The St George Foundation is currently offering funding for charities that assist children and young people up to 18 years old who have special needs. The list of things that qualify for funding includes recreational and respite programs, youth workers, educational equipment and assistance, and new technologies, among others. Assistance of up to $50,000 is available for individual projects.

The closing date for the current funding round is 4 January 2011.

Application details can be found here:
http://www.stgeorgefoundation.com.au/stgeorgefoundation/apply.asp

NSW Government Response to the Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People

Summary

The former Minister for Health, Morris Iemma, approved a major review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP). The Review made by 30 recommendations across the three key issues examined by the reviewers. The NSW Government carefully considered the recommendations made in the Review, in the NSW Government Response to the Review of PADP.

The recommendations provide a framework for implementing reforms for all NSW Health disability support programs that will create fairer and more efficient services for people with disabilities.

File link: NSW Government Response to the Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People

Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People

Summary

Through consultation with people accessing the program, clinicians, managers and key stakeholders the Review examined three key issues. These were management and administration, target population and demand, and budgetary requirements and financial management.

The Review, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was completed in June 2006.The NSW Government has carefully considered the report and responded to recommendations in the NSW Government Response to the Review of the DADP.

File link: Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People

This report has been split into 4 small files to accommodate slow download capabilities.


Transport standards review released

The first 5 year review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport
has been released together with the Commonwealth Government response. Documents are available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/disabilities/review/

Sydney Fragile X Clinic

The Sydney Fragile X Clinics have been established to meet the specific needs of individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. The emphasis at the clinic is to identify effective treatment and intervention strategies that will optimize the person’s abilities and enhance their life. Read more at their web site http://fragilex.org.au/Sydney_Clinic.htm

Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause worldwide of inherited intellectual disability. Fragile X is found in all races and at all socio-economic levels. Latest statistics indicate 1 in 3600 males and 1 in 4000- 6000 females are affected and that approximately 1 in 260 females are carriers. Characteristics include global developmental delay, speech and communication problems, anxiety, poor concentration, hyperactivity (ADHD), autistic-like behaviours such as an unusual fixed interest in some things and dislike of change in routine. Read more background information at http://fragilex.org.au/FragileX_in_Detail.htm

Special education needs of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy
Berg AT et al

Dementia Prevalence & Incidence Among Australians Who Do not Speak English At Home by Access Economics for Alzheimer’s Australia – November 2006:

On behalf of the National Cross Cultural Dementia Network, Alzheimer’s Australia commissioned Access Economics to undertake this study into the prevalence and incident of dementia amongst Australians from CALD backgrounds. This study was designed to assist in understanding the need for services capable of meeting the special requirements for people with dementia from this group. This study concludes that regional and local services need to be responsive to the particular profiles of their non-English speaking populations and must also acknowledge the various cultural customs, traditions and values of these groups. The report can be found at: www.alzheimers.org.au/upload/NoEnglishAtHomeExecSummary1.pdf

Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults in the Community in England
Traolach S. Brugha; Sally McManus; John Bankart; Fiona Scott; Susan Purdon; Jane Smith; Paul Bebbington; Rachel Jenkins; Howard Meltzer
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011; 68:459-465.  ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT | PDF

T...4...3...2...1 Blast off for World Down Syndrome Month

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on 21 March each year.

   This year in a rare event it happens to coincide with Good Friday. But there's no need to panic because this year we're declaring the whole of March to be World Down Syndrome Month.

   That means there's plenty of time to hold your 'T4321' celebrations. That is 'Tea for 3-21' in recognition of the fact Down syndrome is caused by 3 copies of chromosone 21. http://dsansw.e-newsletter.com.au/link/id/1402fdb72f34f164962eP824c25180ebb64a06754/page.html#42b4f7404cf66e0655a0

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission recently released a discussion paper on accessibility issues faced by people with disability and older Australians in using consumer electronics and other household appliances: The Overlooked Consumers, available on HREOC's website at http://www.humanrights.gov.au//disability_rights/consumer/overlooked.htm .

The paper discusses problems in the design of everyday appliances, but also identifies problems which should be easier to fix if information is available to consumers about the accessibility features of different products. They will work with consumer protection authorities including the ACCC, and with industry groups, to give consumers with disabilities a fairer go.

NDS - National Disability Services promoting the development of quality services and life opportunities for Australians with disabilities.

NDS is the national industry association for disability services, representing over 600 not-for-profit organisations. Collectively, their members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. NDS’s members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations, and are located in every State and Territory across Australia. They have a national body and very active state branches.

Check out their web site at http://www.nds.org.au

Check out these Commonwealth Government Publications

Auslan Report - Report on Supply and Demand for Auslan Interpreters

 Better Employment Practices  (Commonwealth Disability Strategy)

 Better Information and Communication Practices (Commonwealth Disability Strategy)

 Better Physical Access  (Commonwealth Disability Strategy)

Continuous Improvement Handbook (for Disability Employment Services)

disAbility e-news

 Inclusive Consultation (Commonwealth Disability Strategy)

Mobility Allowance

National Disability Abuse & Neglect Hotline Brochure

National Disability Advocacy Program

National Disability Conference Funding Program

National Information and Captioning Services

National Standards for Disability Services

Planning for the Future: people with disabilities

Print Disability and Postal Concessions for the Blind Review Report

Quality Assurance system for Disability Employment Services

Quality Assurance Handbook for Disability Employment Services

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Handbooks for Disability Employment Services

Respite for Carers of Young People with a Disability Brochure

Respite for Carers of Young People with Severe or Profound Disabilities

Rural and Remote Disability Employment Assistance Study

Special Disabilty Trusts: getting things sorted

Sterilisation of women and young girls with an intellectual disability: report to the Senate, 6 December 2000

Position Paper on the Atlanto-axial Instability in Persons with Down Syndrome issued by the National Down Syndrome Congress USA.

Atlanto-axial Instability in Persons with Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Screening
(Issued February 1991)

Hyperhomocysteinemia in children treated with anti-epileptic drugs is normalised by folic acid supplementation
Huemer M et al

Disability Services Census
Information on the type and location of all government funded disability services and the characteristic of people using the services.

DVD and Manual - 'Building Foundations - autism: your child, your family'

This 30-minute DVD and detailed manual is for families who have recently had a child diagnosed with autism. It features families and service providers talking about their experiences. It provides information about autism to families and the people who work with their children and shows some simple strategies parents can use to help their child.

The information includes; 'what is autism?', 'after the diagnosis'. 'helping communication', 'play and social interaction' and 'managing behaviour'. The DVD is available in 7 languages. Click here for more information, to view the trailer and to order your copy.

Down Syndrome New Parent Guidance (USA)

This is a kit provided by the National Down Sydnrome Congress Centre USA for new parents who have a child who has down syndrome. Check out the links back to their web site for copies of the kit. These maybe helpful for community workers and respite centre workers involved with families.

Down Syndrome Brochure (PDF)
Facts about Down Syndrome
Baby is a Baby First
Language Guidelines
Bibiliography 2007
Your Baby and Down Syndrome (PDF)
New Parent / Early Intervention Resources (PDF)
Advice For New Parents (DOC)
Healthcare Guidelines (PDF)
Welcome to Holland
Expectant Parents Info

A Guide to Voting for People with a Disability
Download this free pdf from the DADHC web site

A guide to voting for people with a disability in NSW

Other resources

Australian Electoral Commission Reply Paid 9867 in your capital city www.aec.gov.au or 13 23 26

Official launch of an online resource for parents of children with a disability

The Raising Children Network launched a disability section on the Raising Children Website to provide resources and support for parents of a child with a disability. The Raising Children Website aims to resource and support parents in raising children from birth to school age. Funded by the NSW Government Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), the new disability section addresses common issues and concerns of parents, such as:

         Parent reactions to a disability diagnosis.

         Helping siblings of a child with a disability.

         Working with professionals and accessing services and support.

         Choosing childcare and a school.

         Routines, play, health and fitness for children with a disability.

 You can access the website by clicking on this link http://raisingchildren.net.au/children_with_disabilities/raising_children_with_disabilities.html.

Scottish autism spectrum guidelines issued www.sign.ac.uk

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) has published a clinical guideline on the management of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The guideline covers assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) for ASD, which covers the conditions autism, atypical autism and Asperger’s syndrome. It also addresses service provision, multidisciplinary and multiagency working to address the needs of children with ASD at all levels (primary, secondary and tertiary care), and recommends joint working between children and young people and their parents and carers. According to SIGN, boys are four times more likely to suffer from ASD than girls, and appropriate intervention, specialised education and structured support are vital to help those with the condition to maximise their potential.

Brain Injury Association of NSW

http://www.biansw.org.au

The Brain Injury Association of New South Wales is the leading advocacy body in NSW for people with an acquired brain injury, their families, carers and interested organisations. They represent their needs to government, service providers, broader community and the media.

Affiliated/Related Organisations:

The Brain Injury Support Service Incorporated (BISSI) can be found at http://www.bissi.org.au  


Headway Adult Development Program can be found at http://www.headwayadp.org.au


Brain Injury Australia

Brain Injury Association of Queensland

Brain Injury Association of Tasmania Inc

Headway Victoria

Disability Assistance Package

The Prime Minister announced details of the Disability Assistance Package delivering $1.8 billion in new funding over five years.

The Disability Assistance Package gives practical support and peace of mind to older carers of people with disability, delivers assistance to families of children with disability and provides further assistance to disability business services.

The Disability Assistance Package is in addition to the multilateral offer to the states and territories to assist in their areas of responsibility for the next Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA).

Disability Assistance Package Fact sheets

CSTDA Multilateral Agreement Fact sheets

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

  • A strategic framework for inclusion and participation by people with disabilities in Government policies, programs and services.

Position Paper on the Management of Challenging Behaviour issued by the National Down Syndrome Congress USA.

The Management of Challenging Behaviors (Issued July 1990)


 The Brain Injury Association of NSW has several FREE publications available below that can help you understand what an acquired brain injury is and its effects on people who have an acquired brain injury. (A great community education initiative by the BIA NSW – editor)


Most of the information can be downloaded from their website however for additional information call BIA NSW office on (02) 9749 5366.

Publications that can be downloaded

Download General Information on Brain Injury in other languages


Other Resources

Community Services & Health Jobs Growth

Community Services & Health sector is the fastest growing sector and projected to give rise to over 170,000 new jobs between now and 2012.

The community services and health sector is the country’s 3rd largest employer with over 1,000,000 people employed across over 350 occupations.

New labour market information DEWR Australian Jobs 2007

Australian Jobs 2007 is designed to help Australians find up-to-date information on the job they want. It provides a guide to the occupations and industries in which Australians work and highlights jobs with good prospects. It also provides information for key job seeker groups - people with disabilities; mature age; youth; Indigenous people and parents on income support, as well as information on accessing employment services and Australian apprenticeships.
 Download the DEWR Australian Jobs 2007 report

Download DEWR Health Employment Outlook report

Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability (ASSID)

http://www.assid.org.au

ASSID is a long standing association in the disability field and membership is open to any interested person. Their mission is to enhance the skills, knowledge and commitment of it's members and to facilitate a supportive network in order to enhance the quality of life of people with intellectual or developmental disability. (Their conferences are excellent and the publications members receive are of a high quality – a great way to keep up to date. Editor)

The goals of the Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability are:

  • Promote the research and understanding of intellectual disability

  • Bring together people with an interest in the field of intellectual disability

  • Promote high standards of practice in the field of intellectual disability

Journal of Policy & Practice in Intellectual Disabilities

Members of ASSID are offered a 40% discount off the personal subscription rate of IASSID's Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disability (JPPID). Read More...

Lyndwood Supported Disability Holidays & Day Outings (supported by Registered Disability Nurses) www.lyndwoodtours.com.au/

WHIRLS Westlink Recreation & Leisure Service Rooty Hill 

Brain Injury Respite & Development Services (BIRDS) Hunter Hill NSW, 

North West Disability Services Inc-HADPAC Baulkham Hills  NSW

Wheelchairs to Go - Sydney Provision of escorted shopping/sightseeing tours, to genuinely accessible places of interest for the wheelchair dependent and mobility impaired traveller to Sydney, as well as wheelchair rentals and sales.

Acquired Brain Injury Group ' SEEKERS' Richmond NSW

YMCA Integrated Programs (Sydney) The Integrated Program's 'Leisure Options' involves periodic local, interstate and even overseas trips and excursions, with trips predominantly planned and organised by the program participants themselves.

BANC Disability Projects Blackheath NSW

Blue Mountains Recreation and Respite Service Inc Springwood NSW

Recreation, fitness, sport and leisure for people with disability
Links to recreation, sporting and leisure websites for people with disabilities.www.e-bility.com/links/recreation.php

Westlink Head Injury Recreation and Leisure Service Rooty Hill  NSW  

Headway Albury Wodonga Wodonga 

NSW Sport and Recreation's Sport Unit for Athletes with a Disability offers programs which provide quality sport services for people with a disability. www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/active/as_pwd.asp

Equipment and Modifications Fund

The Equipment and Modifications Fund was established in 2005 to assist people to participate in the Community Participation and Transition to Work Programs. It helps to remove some of the physical barriers to participation by contributing to the cost of assistive equipment and technology or building modifications.

The assistive equipment and technology should be supplementary and additional to any funding provided or available to the service or the individual through other programs. It should not duplicate support provided through these programs. Specifically, this fund does not provide equipment or modifications that are funded from any other NSW or Australian Government program (e.g. the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP), Continence Aids Assistance Scheme), etc.

Examples of assistive equipment and technology that can be funded under the Equipment and Modifications Fund include:

Category of Equipment

Examples

Communication aids

Communication devices. Computer based communication aids and software, equipment for alternative format information.

Aids to nutrition

Specialised equipment for eating and drinking (not provided by a service user).

Mobility aids

Reclining chairs, standing equipment and portable ramps.

Vehicle hoists

Seating equipment

Specialised car seats, seating systems.

Personal care aids

Raised toilet seat, hand held showers.

Transfer aids

Lifting hoists, turntables, and hoists for transferring people.

Vehicle modification

A hoist and safety harnesses for a wheelchair.

Assistive technology

Screen reading software, voice activated software, Zoom Text.

Guidelines in PDF format are downloadable from GUIDELINES

Application Form in PDF format downloadable at APPLICATION

GLOBAL ADVANTAGE WIN MAJOR DADHC TENDER
for casual staff and labour hire.
The signed contracts were effective from 16 April 2007 and the information was publicly advertised on the Department of Commerce web site in April. There is a hand over period at present and our staff are currently being inducted into a number of new DADHC group homes.
Global Advantage had already been supplying casual staff to over 100 DADHC houses for sometime prior to this and now with winning the tender contract will be expanding to wider geographical areas.

Even though Global Advantage is a market leader in disability care and mental health we are still actively recruiting new staff. We would welcome any staff experienced in disability care, aged care and mental health. For anyone interested in joining us they just need to call us free on 1800 009 292

A small selection of some conference papers freely available of the ASSID web site at http://www.assid.org.au/ConferencePapers/tabid/73/Default.aspx

The Predictors of Empowerment for Parents and Carers of People with

Intellectual Disabilities Within the Direct Consumer Funding Model

Dr Angus Buchanan Director, Metropolitan Services Co-ordination, Disability Serviced Commission, Adjunct Associate Professor, Curtin University of Technology, WA

Initial Investigation of Organisational Factors Relevant to Implementing Active Support

Dr Chris Fyffe Jeffrey McCubbery Disability Consultants, Fyffe and McCubbery Consultants, Vic 

The Value of Health Care Planning for People with Disabilities: A Formative Evaluation

Dr Sarah Mott Research Consultant, Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney, NSW

Writing a Journal Article: Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Editor’s Workshop

Professor Roger Stancliffe Centre for Developmental Disability Studies, Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney, NSW

Low cost internet services for people with disability

People with disability may be entitled to access a low cost Internet service, being offered via a partnership arrangement between Technical Aid to the Disabled Australia and IPSOne, a Victorian based Internet service provider. The partnership enables dial-up Internet access at discount rates for people receiving the Disability Support Pension, a DVA Entitlement Pension and an Aged Pension Card. For more information, phone Technical Aid for the Disabled on 1300 735 439 or visit http://www.tadaustconnect.org.au

PANDDA 2007 DISABILITY CONFERENCE – 1 August 2007 The Epping Club
(PANDDA is the Professional Association of Nurses in Developmental Disability Areas (Aust) Inc.)

Further information at http://www.pandda.net/

The PANDDA 2007 Conference would be of special interest for enrolled nurses and registered nurses working in the disability field.


Global Advantage has been confirmed as the headline MAJOR SPONSOR of the PANDDA 2007 Conference for nurses in disability.

This annual event is a highlight for enrolled and registered nurses in the disability field and Global Advantage being the leading Sydney casual staff agency in disabilities and mental health for nurses and carers it is a fitting alliance.


Global Advantage having won a major tender contract with DADHC for casual staff and labour hire, contracts effective from 16 April 2007, see the involvement in the PANDDA 2007 Conference as an opportunity to celebrate with colleagues in DADHC and the disability field – so we are sponsoring the post conference cocktails. Visit our booth to go in the Business Card draw for one of three (3) top shelf bottles of something special to take home.


See the PANDDA 2007 Conference Registration Brochure & Form downloadable from their web site at
http://www.pandda.net/conference_2007_DL.pdf

National Disability Awards – nominations close 20 July 2007
Nominations for the inaugural National Disability Awards, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, are now open. The awards will recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions and achievements made by people with a disability to the community and by individuals to the disability sector. Nominations close on Friday 20 July and the awards will be presented at an awards ceremony in Canberra on Monday 3 December, International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD). For more information, visit the IDPWD website http://www.idpwd.com.au/awards.asp

The National Disability Services association (formerly ACROD) has announced that the Centre for Affordable Housing has released the Shared Equity Models for People with a Disability Project Final Report. Which is available for download from the NDS web site. (NOTE: NDS was formerly ACROD – a leading organization in the disability field – check out their web site at www.nds.org.au The provide a very informative e-newsletter. Edr)

The NSW Departments of Housing and of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) are exploring shared equity models that allow people with a disability to obtain long-term housing by utilising their own funds or contributions from their family. The objective of this project was to identify a shared equity model or models that could be adopted in NSW and to indicate the key steps that would be involved in implementing the model(s).

Health Care Policy & Procedures In Disability

http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/Publications+and+policies/People+with+a+disability/Policies+relating+to+people+with+a+disability.htm

The NSW Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care have published a comprehensive range of their health care policies and procedures for people who have a disability on their internet site.

Some of the documents are:

Health Care Policy and Procedures
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 1 Health plan
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 2 Dental review
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 3 GT 'person responsible'
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 4 GT consent medical or dental treatment
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 5 Public Guardian consent application Pt 1
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 5 Public Guardian consent application Pt 2
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 6 Menstruation chart
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 7 Weekly blood sugar chart
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 8 Bowel chart
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 9 Physical activity chart
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 10 Physical activity plan 
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 11 Weight chart
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 13 CHAP brochure
Health Care Policy and Procedures Att 14 Letter Dr re CHAP

It also includes their Epilepsy policies:-

Epilepsy Policy and Procedures 2006
- Epilepsy Policy and Procedures Attachment 1
- Epilepsy Policy and Procedures Attachment 2
- Epilepsy Policy and Procedures Attachment 3

Nutrition and other policies, procedures and guidelines have also been included.

DADHC should be congratulated for sharing their guidelines and policies and procedures with community organizations through their web site. (Editor).

Check out the informative NSW DADHC web site at www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au

A health screening programme for adults with Down’s syndrome.

Nursing Times (UK) VOL 103, NO 3-31

Clare Backer, BSc; Nicola Jervis, PhD, BSc
People with learning disabilities, especially those with Down’s syndrome, have a higher level of health needs than the general population. In Down's syndrome they are more likely to experience problems involving the heart, thyroid, sensory impairment, diabetes and epilepsy, and they have an increased risk of developing dementia http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursingtimes/pages/AscreeningprogrammeforadultswithDownssyndrome (subscription to online newsletter may be required to access the full article)

Useful Links

Down Syndrome Association NSW http://www.dsansw.org.au/

Down Syndrome UK www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Down Syndrome Scotland www.dsscotland.org.uk

Guardianship Tribunal

The Guardianship Tribunal has an informative web site and a number of education resources are available for free down load or for purchase. Check out the web site at http://www.gt.nsw.gov.au/

You can download and print out any of our publications.

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission role in disability issues.

The Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA) prohibits direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of disability and makes it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of disability in a wide range of areas including: sport, access to premises, accommodation, education, employment and the provision of goods, services and facilities. The DDA also protects the associates of people with a disability (their partners, relatives, friends, carers and co-workers) against discrimination because of that association.

Read further about the HRAEOC role in disabilities at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/intro.htm

NSW COUNCIL FOR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

The NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID) is the peak organisation in NSW representing the interests of people with intellectual disability. The Council takes on such activities as providing policy advice, systemic advocacy, community education, and information provision and dissemination. NSW CID has an information service and resource centre providing information to people with intellectual disability, their families, carers, advocates and service providers. NSW CID is committed to the principles of inclusion and participation and we aim to ensure people with intellectual disability are included in every aspect of the work we undertake.

The above information is from their informative web site at http://www.nswcid.org.au

Their membership fees are reasonable and it is worthwhile being on their members mailing list in order to keep up with current issues in the disability field. Many workers in the field have individual associate membership for this reason and to support their worthwhile work. (Global Editor)

The Predictors of Empowerment for Parents and Carers of People with Intellectual Disabilities Within the Direct Consumer Funding Model

Dr Angus Buchanan Director, Metropolitan Services Co-ordination, Disability Serviced Commission, Adjunct Associate Professor, Curtin University of Technology, WA

This study has provided findings that contribute toward the ongoing development and understanding about why current contemporary practices within disability services are empowering for consumers of services, or as the case may maybe disempowering. Using an empirical model this study has identified what are the significant influences on empowerment within the Direct Consumer Funding model. Research, such as this study, is very important as most research on empowerment in the area of disability has been non-empirical and focused on the outcomes of the concept rather than the antecedents. (Copied from the paper – read the full &/or download the full article (http://www.assid.org.au/Portals/0/Downloads/Buchanan.doc ) from the ASSID (Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability) Conference Papers Web site at http://www.assid.org.au/ConferencePapers/tabid/73/Default.aspx

(ASSID make an important contribution to the disability field through supporting research, advocating on social policy reform, promoting conferences, publishing a peer review journal and networking through membership. Check out their web site at http://www.assid.org.au - Global Editor)

Graduate Program in Developmental Disability

University of Sydney Disability Initiative

The Graduate Program in Developmental Disability provides flexible multi-disciplinary education for professionals in the rapidly developing field of developmental disabilities. The program, unique in Australia, is a joint initiative of the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies and the College of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. Developed and presented by a multidisciplinary team of developmental disability researchers and practitioners, the program offers students the opportunity to:

  • Consider issues facing people with developmental disability, their families and carers from a scholarly perspective.

  • Challenge their own discipline and contribute to multidisciplinary practice which affords respect to individuals with developmental disability, their families, advocates and carers.

  • Learn together with students from a range of disciplines keen to advance their knowledge and skills to provide intellectual leadership to the field.

  • Develop specialist skills underpinned by theory, scholarship and research in the field of developmental disabilities.

  • Gain a postrgraduate credential indicating a specialisation in the developmental disability field.

Further information: http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/html/GradProg_inDD.html

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

A strategic framework for inclusion and participation by people with disabilities in Government policies, programs and services.

The Commonwealth Disability Strategy recognises that the Australian Government has an impact on the lives of people with disabilities through its many programs, services and facilities. The Strategy is about enabling full participation of people with disabilities. Under the Strategy, Australian Government organisations are obligated to remove barriers which prevent people with disabilities from having access to these policies, programs and services. This means ensuring that people with disabilities have the same access to buildings, services, information, employment, education, sport and recreational activities as everyone else in the community.

In 1999, the Commonwealth Disability Strategy was reviewed, and as a result, it has been refined to ensure it continues to meet the needs of people with disabilities. It is now more flexible and encourages organisations to:

  • provide information in accessible formats;

  • employ people with disabilities;

  • purchase accessible services;

  • recognise people with disabilities as consumers of services; and

  • consult with people with disabilities to find out what they need.

The Strategy complements a number of other current initiatives, including those of the Office of Government Online, the National Office of Information Economy and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to make information, particularly electronic information, accessible to people with disabilities. The Commonwealth Disability Strategy's most important message can be summed up in one sentence: A little thought goes a long way in ensuring that people with disabilities can live, work and participate fully in the Australian community.

See the web site for more information.

http://www.facs.gov.au/disability/cds/cds/cds_index.htm

Center for Developmental Disability Studies
The Centre for Developmental Disability Studies is a non-profit organisation that began operating in April 1997. CDDS creates and disseminates knowledge that can improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

We design and develop research, teaching and clinical practice to inform policy and practice which have an impact on people who have developmental disabilities.

http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/

Disability, Ageing And Carers Australia: Summary Of Findings 2003

This publication presents a summary of results from the Survey of Disability, Ageing and

Carers (SDAC) conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) throughout

Australia, from June to November 2003. The primary objective of the survey was to

collect information about three population groups:

  • people with a disability

  • older people (i.e. those aged 60 years and over)

  • people who provide assistance to older people and people with disabilities.

The SDAC was also conducted in 1998 and this publication presents some comparisons

with this survey. The 2003 SDAC was largely a repeat of the 1998 survey, with some

additions to content in the areas of cognitive and emotional support, and computer and

Internet use. Comparisons with previous disability surveys are also possible.

Free PDF Download at http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/978A7C78CC11B702CA256F0F007B1311/$File/44300_2003.pdf

This is a valuable reference for both researchers and those preparing service funding submissions.

Some Highlights from the report:

In the 2003 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) one in five people in Australia (3,958,300 or 20.0%) had a reported disability. This rate was much the same for males (19.8%) and females (20.1%).

The rate of profound or severe core-activity limitation also showed little change between 1998 (6.4%) and 2003 (6.3%).

The labour force participation rate of persons with a disability was 53% and the unemployment rate was 8.6%. Corresponding rates for those without a disability were 81% and 5.0%.

The median gross personal income per week of persons aged 15-64 years with a reported disability living in households was $255, compared to $501 for those without a disability. Median gross personal income per week decreased with increasing severity of disability. It was lowest ($200 per week) for those with a profound core-activity limitation.

In 2003, there were 3.35 million people aged 60 years and over (17% of the population), which compares to 3.0 million people (16%) in 1998. In 2003, just over half had a reported disability (51%) and 19% had a profound or severe core-activity limitation.

People aged 85 years and over reported a much higher need for assistance than those aged 60-69 years (84% compared with 26%).

In 2003, there were 2.6 million carers who provided some assistance to those who needed help because of disability or age. About one fifth of these (19%) were primary carers. Just over half (54%) of all carers were women. Women were also more likely (71%) to be primary carers. Of those providing care, 1.0 million (39%) were in the 35-54 year age range. Those who provided care to people with a disability were more likely to be older and/or have a disability than those who did not provide care. Twenty-four per cent of primary carers were aged 65 years and over, compared to 13% of the total population.

The report provides much more detail and is an essential starting point in identifying community needs. See these and other summary details at http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4430.0Main+Features12003?OpenDocument

Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability

Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria staff were delighted to see the new Therapeutic Guidelines publication "Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability Version 2" which was released in June 2005. Dr Helen Beange Clinical Lecturer Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney NSW was also a major contributor.

The book is an affordable reference on Developmental Disability Medicine for health professionals. Therapeutic Guidelines produce a range of practical handbooks for doctors, and the decision to broaden the concept to Management Guidelines was welcomed. In 1999 the first edition of Management Guidelines: Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities was released, providing detailed guidance on 'whole of life care' for people with developmental disability. Chapters were written by Australian leaders in the field of Developmental Disability Medicine and many of the authors were staff from the CDDHV.

The 2005 edition, entitled Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability. Version 2, 2005 includes new chapters, as well as updates of previously included work. Web based resources are a valuable edition to this new version. Once again the CDDHV staff have made a substantial contribution to the book and are delighted to be able to recommend the publication to undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, and students from other health disciplines, studying Developmental Disability Medicine.

Price $39 plus postage & handling
Order online at https://secure.tg.com.au/order/order1.php

Premier launches 10-year plan - Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006-2016

The NSW Government has launched Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006-2016 to deliver better services for people with a disability and their families. The plan follows extensive state-wide consultation and provides an additional $1 billion funding over the first five years.

Click on each of the links below to get copies of the respective documents.

Stronger Together: Summary

Stronger Together: Fact Sheet

Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006 – 2016 (Full Document)

Self Advocacy Sydney Inc.
http://www.sasinc.com.au

Self Advocacy Sydney is an organisation run by and for people
with Intellectual Disability.

Their Mission Statement

  • Give training support and information to all members / consumers to develop their skills as self advocates.

  • Provide information and education to the community about self advocacy and the rights of the people who have Intellectual Disability.

  • Develop strong links with other advocacy and community groups.

Self Advocacy Sydney Suite 4, 2A Newton & Flushcombe Roads Blacktown NSW 2148 Australia Ph (02) 9622 3005 Fax (02) 9622 6030 Email info@sasinc.com.au

Models of supported accommodation for people with a disability

The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Della Bosca convened a series of accommodation roundtable discussions with a small group of representatives from peak organisations, service providers and key stakeholders on 12 July and 18 August 2005.

For the range of papers go to the DADHC web site at http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/People+with+a+disability/Models+of+Supported+Accommodation+for+People+with+a+Disability.htm


 Positive Behaviour Support for People with Intellectual Disability: Evidence-based practice promoting quality of life
K. McVilly. First published 2003 (212pp.) This accessible book is an essential resource for support workers and other disability professionals, educators and students in the intellectual disability field. It provides evidence-based information to help the reader understand challenging behaviour, to develop and implement behaviour support plans, and monitor those plans to ensure their ongoing effectiveness. Clear guidance is provided on ethical and legal principles underpinning behaviour support. Examples of charts and forms provide materials for use in practice. Combining cutting edge research and contemporary best practice, this practical book presents a holistic, bio-psycho-social approach to behaviour support designed to promote quality of life for people with disability. Purchase Price: $66.00 AUD (others) - includes GST and postage - Bulk discounts available. Ordering: http://www.assid.org.au/Portals/0/Publications/PublicationsOrderForm.pdf

The Positive Approach to Challenging Behaviour (Free PDF Publication)

Policy & Guidelines published by the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care. "This policy, The Positive Approach to Challenging Behaviour, stems from the Ageing and Disability Department's commitment to ensure the right of people with disability to live in an environment that is free from abuse. People with a disability who may exhibit challenging behaviour are entitled to the same rights and safeguards as others in the community." View or download from DADHC web site at

http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/50B41AD4-57B5-4BF3-8989-FD5A528FADE6/705/PositiveApproach1.pdf

Improving information on disability and functioning 6-7 February 2006
Masonic centre, Sydney (Conference paper) -

Dr Vivienne Riches, Centre for Developmental Disability Studies University of Sydney

The I-CAN: an Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs of people with disability is based on the World Health Organization's (2001) ICF framework, and the conceptualisation of intensities of supports (American Association of Mental Retardation, 2002). The instrument was developed in partnership between the University of Sydney, the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies and the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney, with funding from an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant 2001-2004.

Full abstract at http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/iidf2006/abstracts_pdf_doc/VIVRiches_abstract.pdf
Power Point Presentation at http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/iidf2006/slides/Vivenne_Riches.ppt

Improving information on disability and functioning 6-7 February 2006
Masonic centre, Sydney (Conference paper)

Robert Strike with Sally Robinson, Disability Studies and Research Institute

So what's it like?: Giving up your personal information to researchers. People with disability are increasingly involved in disability research. However, they are often involved as subjects or objects of research, rather than as active participants in the research process.

How can researchers make sure that their research doesn't take from disempowered and marginalized people without giving them back something of value?

Full abstract at

http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/iidf2006/abstracts_pdf_doc/Strike_robinson.pdf

Power Point Presentation at

http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/iidf2006/slides/Robert_Strike_&_Sally_Robinson.ppt

Bachelor of Education (Habilitation)
Australian Catholic University Strathfield Campus NSW
Minimum duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
This Bachelor of Education (Habilitation) course is available to people who are already working in, or who are interested in working in, community-based organisations which provide a service to people with a disability.
Read further: http://my.acu.edu.au/courses//courselocation.cfm?course=Bachelor%20of%20Education%20(Habilitation)

Health of Women with Intellectual Disabilities Patricia Noonan Walsh, Tamar Heller ISBN : 1405101032 "Health of Women with Intellectual Disabilities," is the first book in the forthcoming series of books. IASSID is very pleased to thank IASSID members, Drs. Patricia Noonan Walsh and Tamar Heller, for their work in compiling this edited text. The book was launched at a special reception held at the IASSID-Europe Congress in Dublin, Ireland on June 14, 2002 http://www.iassid.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=books&file=index&bkid=1&ttitle=Health_of_Women_with_Intellectual_Disabilities&POSTNUKESID=94bf55365c427a267b88529c933e6c20


NOTE: Some references may move location or become out-of-date. To request an addition to this web page and possible inclusion in the Global e-Gazette: Disability & Aged Care e-newsletter please email GlobalGazetteDisabilityAgeing@gmail.com


 


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