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No. 11 - July 2007 |
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ArticlesVictorian Disability Act Autism State Plan - Victoria Carer Payment (child) - Review News from Autism Victoria
Fundraising Activities
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After several unavoidable delays, eSpectrum is back! Autsim Victoria apologises for its absence. This issue covers three major State and Federal government issues - the new Victorian Disability legislation, the Victorian Autism State Plan and the Commonwealth Carers Payment review. There are also details of several training and fundraising events, as well as details of the successful Autism Expo held in May 2007.
Victorian Disability Act 2006The Disability Act 2006 was enacted 1 July 2007. This legislation replaces previous disability related legislation and determines the provision of services funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services, Disability Division. This Division is currently conducting a number of community information sessions about the Disability Act. Details of these sessions can be found at: http://nps718.dhs.vic.gov.au/ds/disabilitysite.nsf/sectiontwo/leg_policy?open The following questions have been asked by many families and service providers:
Below is the definition of “disability” as detailed in the Act. Autism Victoria believes that it is possible that individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who do not also have an intellectual disability should be covered by the Act because Autism Spectrum Disorders have a neurological basis. This fact, combined with the presence of the very small, but important word “or”, in the definition, should be the key to unlocking the door to disability services for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who do not also have an intellectual disability. There is no statement within the Act excluding individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who do not also have an intellectual disability. We anticipate that individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder will encounter various interpretations of the Act, some of which will be used to exclude service provision and Autism Victoria is looking at ways to have this matter clarified by the department. “Disability” is defined in Part 1 – Preliminary, page 4 of the Act. It reads: “disability” in relation to a person means-
As Autism Victoria receives clarification of the above updates will be posted on the Policy & Consultation page on our website
Autism State Plan – VictoriaIn its 2006 pre-election policy Addressing Disadvantage the Victorian Government committed to developing an Autism State Plan in partnership with Autism Victoria. The aim of the plan is to build new and better approaches across government for meeting the growing and complex needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Plan will evaluate the current demand on services, develop strategies for improving the effectiveness of the service system, identify the service gaps and evaluate the findings of the Autism Secondary Consultation and Training Strategy (ACT-NOW) in relation to the specialist knowledge, skill and expertise needed by professionals across the sector. It will cover all age groups and be informed by national and overseas evidence based practice and frameworks. The Department of Human Services is progressing work on the Plan with representatives of Autism Victoria, the Department of Education and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. A draft Autism State Plan is anticipated to be submitted to Government later next year (2008). To inform the Plan, consultation with a range of external stakeholders will occur including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the families, carers, service providers and academics and professionals with particular expertise in this area. Regular updates will be issued. Here are details from the June 2007 Update: The Facts
Working Party
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A Project Brief has been prepared by the Working Party, and has been accepted by Minister Neville (June 2007) To inform the Plan, consultation with a range of external stakeholders will occur including individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and the families and carers, service providers and academics and professionals with particular expertise in this area. You can view regular updates about progress with the Autism State Plan on our website, as well as in the three Autism Victoria vehicles for information dissemination – The Spectrum, our web site and this electronic bulletin.
NOTE: It is important not to confuse the Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan with the current implementation of the 2006 Disability Act, and also the Department of Human Services Disability State Plan – 2002 – 2012. All of these are crucial elements of the current state government’s work in the disability arena, and there are many elements of ‘crossover’ between the three. From Autism Victoria’s point of view, the Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan is a project that we lobbied for, and have achieved and which we believe will advance the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder in this state. The work being done on the Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan will be informed by this legislation and current government disability policy.
Carer Payment (child) ReviewThe following information has been widely distributed to families via Centrelink and promoted in the media. Families caring for a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are urged to make a submission to this review. Whilst the review is about Carer Payment (not Carer Allowance) ALL parents of children or adults are urged to forward their views, irrespective of what payment they currently receive. Carer payment is currently paid to a very small number of parents and many parents have found it very difficult to meet the strict eligibility criteria. Federal Minister Mal Brough has appointed an independent taskforce to examine the eligibility criteria for the Carer Payment (child) and to consider its effectiveness as a safety net for carers of children with a severe disability or medical condition. It will provide advice to Government by 30 November 2007. A key part of the review is gathering the views and experiences of carers, families and representative groups about caring for a child with a severe disability or illness and the impact of this on family life. The Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is requesting submissions which identify the significant caring role which is beyond the expectations of the caring role of a parent of a child who does not have a severe disability or illness. The Review of Carer Payment (child) Discussion Paper is available from the FACSIA website - the pdf version of the paper can be downloaded here. The paper provides background information and issues for discussion and includes:
Submissions can be lodged until close of business on Friday 27 July 2007 by emailing carerreview@facsia.gov.au or posting to Carer Payment (child) Review, Box 7788, Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610 Any questions about the review or the submission process can be raised with FaCSIA by phoning 1800 739 456 or emailing carerreview@facsia.gov.au. More information: http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/carers-review_carer.htm
News from Autism Victoria
Staff Changes Our founding Information Support Officer, Fleur Dwyer, has returned to her university studies, and her position is being filled temporarily by Heather Kirkhope. Heather is well qualified professionally and personally to support callers to the Autism Victoria Infoline. It is expected that a permanent Information Officer will be appointed later this year. Our Family Counsellor, Kirsty Kerr, recently gave birth to a son, Evan Joel. Evan arrived early, but both he and Kirsty are doing well. Our new Family Counsellor, Danuta Balhuk-Paterson will join us in mid August. Danuta has a great deal of experience in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder and family support and is very much looking forward to working for Autism Victoria as our Family Counsellor.
Contacting Autism Victoria by phone Don’t forget that regional Victorians can contact the Autism Victoria office for the cost of a local call using our 1300 service. The number is
Interstate callers must use the [03] 9885 0533 number as we are unable to offer this service beyond Victoria. Metropolitan callers can use either number, as there is no difference in cost.
2007 marks the 40th Anniversary of the formation of Autism Victoria (or, as it was then known, the Victorian Autistic Children’s Association). A special function was held after the recent Autism Expo at which current members were pleased to welcome some of the early members of the association – Dr Joan Curtis, Don & Zoe Anderson, Gloria Jones, Bernie & Robin Shanahan and Alf & Faye Murfey. Apologies were received from Rosalie Trower and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Pre eminent professionals with a long association with Autism Victoria were also present - Dr Allan Mawdsley, Dr Lawrence Bartak, Professor Bruce Tonge and Dr Avril Brereton. The inaugural Autism Victoria “Creative Futures” Recognition Awards were presented during the Anniversary function. This year’s recipients were nominated by members of the Autism Victoria community. Details of the Recognition Award recipients can be downloaded as a pdf document here. The Autism Victoria State Council can take nominations for the 2008 Recognition Awards at any time – simply download the nomination pro forma here and forward your nomination to the Autism Victoria Executive Officer at admin@autismvictoria.org.au or by post to the Autism Victoria office.
Autism Awareness Week in Victoria The focus of the week in May 2007 was the Autism Victoria Information Expo. Fleur Dwyer, the Autism Victoria Information Officer, worked tirelessly to produce an excellent Expo. More than 500 visitors attended the Expo and the feedback has been very positive. One of the exhibitors, John Pietryka wrote: “You should all be congratulated for the massive effort to make the day go so well for everyone. I know I was exhausted and took two days to recover. I didn't expect to have so much interest from parents. … It was encouraging to see a number of parents asking other parents that have been doing different treatments, how effective they were and exchanging numbers.” A parent, Kristin, wrote to us “I just wanted to say a very big thanks for organising a very informative and diverse autism expo. It proved to be a great opportunity to network and find out more about programs and resources. How wonderful it was to see people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, professionals and families united in a common cause.” The day would not have been possible without some wonderful volunteers – Rhys Keys, Ken Dwyer, the team from GE Money (IT Department) and John from the ANZ. They helped sell Lucky Tickets and assisted visitors and exhibitors in numerous ways. The Lucky Ticket prizes were donated by Artist Photographer & Lakeside Consultants (major prizes) and Alpha Autism, Blush Photography, Jo-Ann Rowe, Carol Barclay, Amanda Golding, Rosemary Tilley & Sarah Weinstock – there were many happy winners. The Creative Futures Art Exhibition, was very popular, and thanks must go to the participating artists – Miles Wilks, Donna Williams, Scott Nye, Travis Hendrik, Tim Rowe and Chris Mason, and also to Arts Project Australia for their guidance and support. Without the participation of the Exhibitors there would have been no Expo! All visitors appreciated the enthusiasm and calibre of their exhibits and staff. Autism Victoria wanted to present the diversity of supports and options available, and give visitors food for thought. Several Exhibitors generously took a sponsorship package, and it is with much appreciation that we acknowledge them here: MAIN SPONSORS ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
Special Guest at the Expo was Mr John Leatherland, Regional Director, Department of Human Services Eastern Metropolitan Region, who officially launched the Autism Victoria Infoline service that is funded by the department.
Events & ServicesHave you bookmarked the Autism Victoria Events page in your Favourites? The Autism Victoria website Events Calendar is one of the most visited sections of our web site, and details of forthcoming events are updated regularly. We have also added listings for Social Skills Programs, Professional Development Programs and Parent Education Programs. The Calendar is organised chronologically, and a summary listing can be scanned for items of interest. If you wish to promote an event on the calendar, you must use the form on the web page. It does take up to two weeks to upload event information to the website, so please give plenty of notice for your event.
The Apex Foundation Trust for Autism Research Grants Applications are now invited for this grant. The full details of this grant and an application form are in the attached pdf document. If you have any queries about the grant and the application process please email Amanda Golding at admin@autismvictoria.org.au. This grant is adminstered by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorder on behalf of The Apex Foundation. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 31st July.
Training Program – Institute for Applied Behaviour Analysis The IABA is organising a four day training program “Positive Practices in Behavioural Support” to be held in Ballarat from Tuesday September 25th to Friday September 28th. Sessions can be attended singly or as a whole. Full details can be found on the attached flier. Program 1 - Comprehensive Functional Assessment Program 2 - Positive Behavioural Support Program 3 - Emergency Management and Reactive Strategies within a Nonaversive Framework Program 4 - Assuring Staff Consistency and the Assurance of Quality Services Program 5 is a three-day Longitudinal Training Program building on the skills discussed in the first four programs. It will be held in Brisbane from 1-3 October.
Picture Exchange Communication Training Workshops – presented by Andy Bondy
Thursday 16th August 2007 – Using Verbal Behaviour to Analyse Language - Participants will learn about Verbal Behaviour and how it can help improve their communication training programs for children and adults with various learning and developmental disabilities. The workshop will describe core language functions, and participants will learn how these complex verbal functions can lead to improvements in teaching strategies. Issues related to the difficulty of teaching communicating about emotions and feelings, as well as central issues related to autism will be described. Registration form can be downloaded here. Friday 17th August 2007 – The Pyramid Approach to Behaviour Intervention - Discussion will focus on the importance of addressing students’ skill deficits prior to, or simultaneously with, addressing behaviour excess or other unwanted behaviour. Other key elements of the training will include the description and design of effective educational settings. The link between functional activities, communication training and the reduction of unwanted behaviour will also be explored in the context of functional behaviour analysis techniques. Registration form can be downloaded here. You can also get more details from Erin Hobbin on 03 9391 6122 or email admin@pecsaustralia.com or go to the Pyramid website.
Expressions of Interest – Proposed New Service for Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Plus is developing a new community support initiative for people who want to try new challenges. Is this you? Then A Plus for Community Support is the Service for You. Mission Statement: A Plus will provide supports to people with a disability that will maximise the individual's opportunities to participate, enjoy and learn in their community. Aims:
Initially the service will support people residing in the South Eastern Metropolitan Region of Meloburne. If you would like to find out more about Autism Plus go to their web site www.autismplus.com.au or you can contact either Maureen or Sandra on enquiries@autismplus.com.au or 0404 458 830 or 0404 458 831.
The Association for Children with a Disability have established a three-pronged, web based support program to specifically address the needs of siblings – the often forgotten brothers and sisters. From the central homepage at www.sibs.org.au you can go to www.siblink.org.au for support for primary aged sibs, www.yourshout.org.au for support for adolescent sibs and www.acd.org.au for support for the parents of sibs aged 0-25! And remember, sibs stands for Sisters Individuals BrotherS. Fundraising ActivitiesNew Movie “SNOW CAKE” – free double passes This new movie, starring Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss and Alan Rickman is a comedy drama revolving around a woman with autism, her daughter and a man escaping his past. Angela Pell, who has a child with autism, wrote the script. Her motivation for the script was a desire to give a view of autism that is more realistic than that conveyed in earlier ‘autism’ movies such as ‘Rainman’ and ‘Mercury Rising’. Ros Blackburn, a woman with autism in the UK, worked closely with Angela to develop the character of Linda, and then worked with Sigourney Weaver to bring the character to the screen. For a more detailed review go to http://www.yourmovies.com.au/movies/?action=movie_info&title_id=22974 The film will be released in Australia on the 2nd August, and Autism Victoria has been given 50 free double passes for the preview weekend – Friday 27th July to Sunday 29th July. The movie will be showing at the Kino Dendy Melbourne, 45 Collins Street. Session times are 4:30 each day, and 7:30 on Friday and Sunday. If you would like a double pass, please email the Autism Victoria Executive Officer, and include your postal address. You can also call into the Autism Victoria office in Glen Iris to collect a double pass – but please ring first to ensure availability! The passes will be distributed strictly in order of request. It would be a good idea to contact the cinema directly to confirm session times and make sure the session you wish to attend is not booked out. The theatre phone number is 9650 2100.
Autism Victoria’s 2007 Christmas Card Range A colour brochure is now available from the Autism Victoria office, or can be downloaded here. This season’s cards will also be available to purchase from the Autism Victoria website from the 1st September, 2007.
Thank you to the many Autism Victoria supporters who purchased a copy of this book of restaurant, eating out and recreation vouchers. We have a lucky last copy – the purchaser of this copy will also receive a voucher worth $225 from Blush Photography in South Yarra – valid for a makeover and photo shoot. Email Carol at office@autismvictoria.org.au to arrange your purchase. Cost of the book is $60 (or $68 posted).
This organisers of this ball, Marquise Events, to be held on Saturday October 6th 2007, will be forwarding a portion of the proceeds to Autism Victoria. If you are looking for a great night out, have a look at their fun website or download the attached flier.
This wonderful online supplier of digital Scrapbooking supplies have adopted Autism Victoria as their charity. If you are interested in new and innovative ways to express your creativity have a look at their website – www.nuts4digi.com - they are a Melbourne based company.
About eSpectrum eSpectrum is compiled and distributed by Autism Victoria Inc. All information is included in good faith, and is current at time of release. Any views expressed in eSpectrum are not necessarily those of Autism Victoria Inc, the State Council, Executive Committee or its member agencies. The publication of a product or program in eSpectrum should not be taken as an endorsement of the service or the product(s). Autism Victoria has included details of products and services for the information of readers in good faith. Readers should take care to evaluate them for their suitability to their particular needs. Queries, items for inclusion and comments should be directed to Amanda Golding, Executive Officer, Autism Victoria at admin@autismvictoria.org.au You have received this electronic bulletin because you subscribed to eSpectrum via the Autism Victoria website. If you wish to unsubscribe, or change your email address, please email your request to admin@autismvictoria.org.au with ‘unsubscribe eSpectrum’ or ‘change email address’ in the subject line.
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