tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18291250473930605692024-03-14T01:40:26.166+11:00DisCo:Disability ConversationsIDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-26106892154797801902017-08-18T22:22:00.002+10:002017-08-18T22:25:25.462+10:00Independent Information (and IDEAS) Being Axed by NSW Government<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IDEAS, the expert independent information providers, among many important advocacy organisations, are being axed by the NSW state government in June 2018.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IDEAS has been in service to people with disabilities, their families and carers since 1981. Cumulatively with the other organisations on the chopping block, there are hundreds and hundreds of years of lived disability experience and sector knowledge, which will not be available to the largest single minority population in NSW.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Independent information services have to be a sustained practice. They should not replace or prevent new entrants to the market, and disparate means of distribution, but IDEAS asserts that it is only fair to have a trusted source that people may use to get a gold standard of information, that is customised to the person’s access needs, to support their decision making. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The markers of these information services are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be unconflicted (that is service providers information is conflicted by their offer of service contracts from which they profit)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be independent, that is, away from government, away from the Agency and away from direct service provision</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be accurate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be timely</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be relevant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be value for money</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be free to people with disability, their families carers and supporters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should have diverse distributive channels in an “omni” environment, so web, phone, letters, e-mails, community face to face engagements, newsletters, enewsletters and all the digital and social realm.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The data must be maintained. Records must have a process of accession and de-accession.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They should be “trusted” services and known to be on the side of people with disabilities . </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the NDIS starts to serve unfunded participants in greater numbers, the schisms at the interface of health, education and transport will become more apparent. The cohort of people who will be unfunded participants in the NDIS scheme will be around 2,090,000 people living with disability. Their number of carers is around 394,000 persons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IDEAS predicts that the most urgent of these is health. The ‘wrangle for nothing about us without us’ is real and the health system, and its specialties are largely unprepared. This is in an environment where people with disability have determination to be treated as whole persons and with the attitudinal shifts required to be treated as a person not as a condition. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Concurrently there has not been nearly enough time, resources or determination to do the community capacity building, and develop greater individual capacity amongst people with disability to self-advocate in the mainstream systems of health, education, transport, work, puberty, sexual health, travel and relationships.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Information Services, Awareness Services and Disability Inclusion education need to be expanded to meet these obvious burgeoning needs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Acknowledgement needs to be made in that the digital divide is greater than then bandwidth alone. This is a financial, educative, social and age marked engagement. The choices need to be there, because even if people with disability may be very proficient in the digital world, that may be intermittent due to money or other issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If independent information services are not a sustained investment, then the NDIS risks losing choice and control for individuals and their engagement in mainstream provisions in their life domain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What can you do to help?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At IDEAS we always say that it is not about us, it is about the thousands of customers we serve every year with free accurate information, but now it really is about us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We need your help to tell your state local member, the state Minister for Disabilities, Mr. Ray Williams, and the Premier Ms Gladys Berejyklian that without IDEAS, people like you will have no one to go to for free accurate independent information that is not selling anything to make your choices truly yours. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Can you help us remind them that they won't know what they've got till it’s gone, and that you still need IDEAS to stand by you in the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, whether you have a funded package or not? We counted you in, and now we are counting on you. Here are the contact details for Ray Williams and Gladys Berejyklian: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ray Williams - email: castlehill@parliament.nsw.gov.au or call 02 8882 9555</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gladys Berejyklian - use this online form: https://www.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/contact-the-premier/ or call 02 9439 4199</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you would like assistance to get your message to the Premier, Minister or Local Member please call the IDEAS info team at 1800 029 904. If you would be happy to share your IDEAS story with us to try and get in the media, please let Diana Palmer our Executive Officer know on 1800 029 904, or mgr@ideas.org.au</span></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-66218973709759541602017-07-13T14:34:00.001+10:002017-07-13T14:34:14.446+10:00Review of the DIYModify App<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hillary Wilde, IDEAS Database Support reviewed the DIY Modify App, an app for people looking to modify their existing homes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsESqac90Fq8B3sT8OAtAi-IbAu_722otN_TPso3m_DqLTzBAAyp0bgOjaFL-FBMXasMNLRaKBP_X_gQOQq2CpgYB6ETNT52bB4-nixlFlG3o7ticTmAT777VMGkiPElGnXwPXw3IWE4t4/s1600/diy_modify_app_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="563" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsESqac90Fq8B3sT8OAtAi-IbAu_722otN_TPso3m_DqLTzBAAyp0bgOjaFL-FBMXasMNLRaKBP_X_gQOQq2CpgYB6ETNT52bB4-nixlFlG3o7ticTmAT777VMGkiPElGnXwPXw3IWE4t4/s320/diy_modify_app_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The DIYModify app is an excellent information resource for
people wanting to modify their existing homes for increased mobility and
accessibility, in and around, their homes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is developed by HMInfo (Home Modification Information
Clearinghouse – a website providing free, universally accessible,
evidence-based design resources), which is part of the University of New South
Wales’ Faculty of the Built Environment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The app provides descriptions, diagrams and a limited price
guide for accessibility related items. It is laid out very well aesthetically,
providing a very simple and easy to understand user experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, some of the usability features are a bit clunky.
Having to rely on the “Next” button to move to the next page is not as user
friendly or intuitive as it could be. The button is small and is a white button
on a white background, which doesn’t stand out straight away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot of time was spent trying to use the standard swipe
gesture to move to the next screen to no avail. It is understandable needing a ‘next’
button for page readers, but both standard finger gestures and buttons can be
utilised simultaneously, and perhaps this would create a smoother end user
experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another consideration would be to include accessible light
switches and adjusting light switch heights, as well as benchtops etc. as
further options. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ultimately, integration with the HMInfo database to provide
links to suppliers in the end-user’s location should be considered a top
priority for the developers of this app. All in all, this app has great
potential and is well thought out and developed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information about the app or modifying your home, <a href="http://www.ideas.org.au/site/contact" target="_blank">contact IDEAS</a> or call 1800 029 904. </div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-56816890698574356892017-06-06T11:21:00.002+10:002017-06-06T11:21:29.842+10:00Light up your night with Vivid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3-47hbkbFGVw7pTTp8O64lu9obYtJtgwk83r_CvElEZz4c3ofGSksk2aHY6OkQKyz-U26xvgiR8JvNV0OjkiK-69o23VtvDkKcKPAPTGVZ3vLFkFvxJKJtBKTOWgzyq1k92EESqgADOW/s1600/Sydney+Opera+House+-+Vivid+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1600" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3-47hbkbFGVw7pTTp8O64lu9obYtJtgwk83r_CvElEZz4c3ofGSksk2aHY6OkQKyz-U26xvgiR8JvNV0OjkiK-69o23VtvDkKcKPAPTGVZ3vLFkFvxJKJtBKTOWgzyq1k92EESqgADOW/s320/Sydney+Opera+House+-+Vivid+2017.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[Image description: The Sydney Opera House lit up in colours of pinks and blue in an abstract design during the Sydney Vivid Festival in 2017. Image source: Sydney Vivid website.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running from 26th May to 17th June, Sydney’s Vivid Festival is the largest of its kind in Australia. And we are pleased to see the continued investment by the Festival organisers into making the event more accessible year on year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year’s festival has even more sensory friendly events, audio described and Auslan interpreted events and wheelchair accessible areas than ever before, to make the festival an event that everyone can enjoy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event is split into three areas: Vivid Light, Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Vivid Light</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vivid Light is the main attraction for most visitors to Vivid and where light art installations are projected onto the side of iconic Sydney buildings such as the Opera House, Customs House, and The Museum of Contemporary Art. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, there are standalone art pieces and sculptures dotted throughout precincts across the city. These include Barangaroo, Chatswood, Darling Harbour, Opera House, Taronga Zoo and the Rocks, amongst others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are 58 installations that are wheelchair friendly, 67 that are audio described, 1 Companion Card and 1 that is sensory friendly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From ethereal columns, to sunflowers, to the harbour bridge and beyond to the Sydney Opera House, there really is a vast array of interactive and beautiful lights displays. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information about the light installations, visit: <a href="https://www.vividsydney.com/light/accessibility/%C2%A0" target="_blank">https://www.vividsydney.com/light/accessibility/ </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Vivid Music</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vivid Music is a dynamic program of cutting-edge music including live performances and music collaborations from local and international artists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a multitude of music events across the city. An example of an accessible, Hearing Loop friendly experience is Dianne Reeves, who is a jazz vocalist. This show takes place in the City Recital Hall which is an accessible and inclusive venue. Featuring a T-Loop system, National relay Service is supported, as are Companion Cards and offers lift access, accessible toilets and seating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a number of accessible music events taking place with more information available here: <a href="https://www.vividsydney.com/event/music">https://www.vividsydney.com/event/music</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Vivid Ideas</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vivid Ideas lets visitors connect with leaders and learn new skills through a series of lectures and discussions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Taking Artists with Disability Seriously</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This event discusses how theatre makers, visual artists and dancers with disability get taken seriously by bringing together findings from across Europe, the US and UK where professional inclusive arts are explored. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three recent Winston Churchill Fellows, Sarah-Vyne Vassallo (Murmuration), Gabrielle Mordy (studio A) and Alison Richardson (RUCKUS) headline the event, with a panel discussion chaired by the CEO of Accessible Arts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tickets are $15 and are available via an external website called the Ticket Group: <a href="https://vividsydney.theticketgroup.com.au/Online/default.asp?doWork%3A%3AWScontent%3A%3AloadArticle=Load&BOparam%3A%3AWScontent%3A%3AloadArticle%3A%3Aarticle_id=6AC581CB-A72B-46CB-BAAF-F9A5F3FE5A9F">https://vividsydney.theticketgroup.com.au/Online/default.asp?doWork%3A%3AWScontent%3A%3AloadArticle=Load&BOparam%3A%3AWScontent%3A%3AloadArticle%3A%3Aarticle_id=6AC581CB-A72B-46CB-BAAF-F9A5F3FE5A9F</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many more interesting events taking place throughout Vivid Ideas. For more information visit here: <a href="https://www.vividsydney.com/ideas/accessibility/%C2%A0" target="_blank">https://www.vividsydney.com/ideas/accessibility/ </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many more resources available at the Vivid Festival website including an interactive accessible map, information on interactive tours and volunteers who can assist. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.vividsydney.com/access-and-inclusion-light">https://www.vividsydney.com/access-and-inclusion-light</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or if you need more assistance, contact IDEAS on 1800 029 904. </div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-70468016812498999532017-04-03T10:01:00.003+10:002017-04-03T10:03:12.283+10:00Being Female and Living with a Disability in Rural Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI3S3GmOp0hCmpeLybYsLVxht4pXVmZA1swmmtMzAjTch5-V9rcm6L7D4EaqR33_ZjpZDQBGTR6dq_3N0W6cwfXE3NQXzpxk6nJG_jDB7UQTNx19sf3MA36v2c35nI3f2ICqD6NIN5zmT/s1600/rural_road_flooded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI3S3GmOp0hCmpeLybYsLVxht4pXVmZA1swmmtMzAjTch5-V9rcm6L7D4EaqR33_ZjpZDQBGTR6dq_3N0W6cwfXE3NQXzpxk6nJG_jDB7UQTNx19sf3MA36v2c35nI3f2ICqD6NIN5zmT/s320/rural_road_flooded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4547089/overcoming-barriers-puts-dreams-in-reach/?cs=48" target="_blank">In partnership with Women with Disabilities Victoria, Women’s Health Goulbourn North East (WHGNE) carried out a study which highlighted a number of concerning barriers for women with disabilities living in rural communities.</a><br />
<br />
There are worrying trends exposing discrimination and harassment, as well as longer-term health and well-being effects.<br />
<br />
The study found that the main barriers included:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Transport </li>
<li>Medical supplier choice</li>
<li>Escaping disability medical model</li>
</ul>
<br />
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2014 people with a disability were less likely to have had daily face-to-face contact with family or friends living outside the household, compared to those who did not have a disability (16% compared with 20%). With community transport standards varying wildly and almost non-existent transport links, it is easy to see why people with disability in rural communities suffer from social isolation.<br />
<br />
With the exception of main towns, access to public transport is very poor. Veteran Affairs appear to have a better handle on understanding taxi subsidies, but clients and sometimes even taxi operators struggle to understand them.<br />
<br />
If living with a disability rurally, there is generally less choice of medical suppliers, with perhaps one service provider supplying “everything”, transport, accommodation, work, access to day and community engagement programmes. And if there are not strong enough advocates for that individual defining acceptable service standards to operate by, then there is an increased risk of less access and poorer standards.<br />
<br />
Often, the medical model of a person’s disability defines them and escaping can be difficult. This keeps an individual isolated except for accessing their medical supports.<br />
<br />
Community culture can play an important role on the isolation and inclusion that a person with disability can have. Although culture is driven by a community, individuals can benefit. If a person is recognised by their name or belonging to a particular family, their neighbours and fellow community members speak about the individual as a whole, regardless of their disability. This can provide positive acceptance and engagement at all levels within the community from education, social, church and sports.<br />
<br />
Although social isolation can be rife, there are some positive stories of rural communities pulling together and embracing an individual’s unique differences.<br />
<br />
Julie, a young 50 year old woman was involved in the community world music choir for some years. A great director, great choristers, great repertoire of world music, drumming and dancing in a rural location. She suffered a medical misadventure which rendered her very ill for a long time and without a voice.<br />
<br />
After she was well enough she approached the choir director and asks if she could return to the choir (because she loved the music). However, she wished to be an elite lip syncer and enjoyed the music around her, the dance, and the fellowship of the other choristers. The director had no qualms with it, however, realised that he has to put it to the choir. At the next rehearsal, Julie had two minutes to introduce herself by telling them about her condition as much as she felt comfortable.<br />
After her introduction and lip syncing audition, she was wholly accepted into the choir. Since she joined, there have been a number of additional members join, one who has a visual impairment, another who has had a stroke but can sing.<br />
<br />
The moral of the story is that from small things, big things grow. And with the right support and choices to make informed decisions, people with disability should not feel isolated.<br />
<br />
Do you have a disability or care for someone with a disability and live in a rural community? Are you looking for information to make better decisions? Contact IDEAS on 1800 029 904 or visit us at <a href="http://www.ideas.org.au/">www.ideas.org.au</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-31416284320223807772017-02-24T15:05:00.000+11:002017-02-24T15:05:51.775+11:00Disability Future Planning - Wills and Trusts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being the carer of a person with a disability carries huge responsibility.
What happens though, when you are no longer able to look after that person? This
can be majorly concerning for you, especially when it relates to family
members. The majority of individuals with disability can make active decisions
about their future, however, there are some people who are unable to
participate directly within that process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In these circumstances, you may wish to provide ongoing
financial assistance for family members but are confused by the financial and
legal jargon, are unsure how things should be structured, what questions to ask
and where to go for further assistance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following provides an overview into the different areas,
however, is by no means legal documentation or advice. <b>You should seek the
services of a professional lawyer when consulting about your future financial
wishes.</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What is a Will?<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Will is a legal document that clearly sets out how you
wish your assets to be distributed after you have passed away. Ensuring that
your Will is up-to-date is the best method for protecting your assets and
making sure that they are distributed in the way that you wished. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is probably the most important document you will sign,
therefore, it is imperative that you seek legal guidance and expertise when
preparing it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you haven’t prepared a Will, no one will know how you
want your assets to be split up and who should receive what. Your assets will
be distributed to a set formula. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What are Assets? <o:p></o:p></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An asset is an item of property that is owned by a person or
company and is regarded as having value. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Examples of assets can include jewellery, artwork, savings accounts,
houses, land and car. There are a lot more examples available. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What is a Trust? <o:p></o:p></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trust is a legal concept that <i>can </i>look complex, but when explained, are easier to understand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trust is a legal obligation placed on one person, called
the trustee, to look after the assets of the trust for the benefit of another
person or a number of people, called a beneficiary or beneficiaries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trust is a good way to control the assets for the benefit
of a person with disability. A trust can continue to look after some of the
interests of a person with disability after your death. It is a structure you
set up to operate before or after your death, which can continue into the
future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main decisions required to make up a trust are: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- Who will be the trustees?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- How will the assets be divided up fairly between
the person with the disability and other family members?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- What accommodation and care options should be
provided for?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- How much discretion and direction should the
trustee have? </span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
What do Trustees do?<o:p></o:p></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trustee is the person or persons who have the right to
administer and control the trust’s assets, but only for the benefit of the
beneficiary, in this example, the person with disability. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The recipient will gain from the trust, without having
control over the trust itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4>
Who should be appointed trustee?<o:p></o:p></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an extremely important decision, however, legal
structures do not always guarantee that individuals will do the right thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That person should share the same views about how your
family member should be looked after by the trust. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4>
What is a Special Disability Trust?<o:p></o:p></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Special Disability Trust is the provision of social
security and veterans’ affairs means test concessions, set up by the Australian
Government to help families with planning their estates. A Special Disability
Trust can be set up by anybody for a person with severe disability, as long as
certain legislative conditions are met. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People are encouraged to make their own provision for
accommodation and care costs for family members with severe disability. This
type of trust may alieve concerns about how funds held in trust may affect
entitlements. However, if the assets are limited and reduction of social
security entitlements is not a significant risk, a Special Disability Trust may
not be relevant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Trusts and Wills and when to choose the right option<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You <b>do not have </b>to
make special arrangements for a family member with disability. This will be
dependent upon the abilities of the person with disability, available resources
and future wishes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the person can manage their own money or through an
informal process, there is less need for special arrangements. They can be left
money through your Will or Trust as other family members would. There are
certain times when special arrangements should be put into place:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"></span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- If the person’s disability affects their mental
capacity (intellectual disability, brain injury, mental illness or dementia) –
they may need help with managing money or assets</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">- </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Or if you want to keep more control than usual
over how family resources are used in the long-run</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Issues for Consideration</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk8uoiM6NXjYBT5dBCnEvR9jfkbWvpXkLDidYBkaegjmIuN_fh6PJ4FTLsQDpaJ61jhRlcQR95Pp9Vsm_LdqAA7rxv_Mq4IRSIlqdvZaL8LkFiHTyD3cOdeShj8ifO8wMPza233-yeEgU/s1600/Issues_for_consideration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk8uoiM6NXjYBT5dBCnEvR9jfkbWvpXkLDidYBkaegjmIuN_fh6PJ4FTLsQDpaJ61jhRlcQR95Pp9Vsm_LdqAA7rxv_Mq4IRSIlqdvZaL8LkFiHTyD3cOdeShj8ifO8wMPza233-yeEgU/s640/Issues_for_consideration.JPG" width="618" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Information to take to the Solicitor</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKcbEWFy9GqCLCnhTbRjaXikG1C-R6cb4LLnduw0NkRJuXi9dvFzyU9pBzzjedqffkSA8ciqAcJVxkQeLgvQFnHKh6IxVIQYMV9trxMR5K68h9ItFy2Ikl8XZ5gENtuq31XgcO-pNGaMU/s1600/Information_to_take_to_solicitor_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKcbEWFy9GqCLCnhTbRjaXikG1C-R6cb4LLnduw0NkRJuXi9dvFzyU9pBzzjedqffkSA8ciqAcJVxkQeLgvQFnHKh6IxVIQYMV9trxMR5K68h9ItFy2Ikl8XZ5gENtuq31XgcO-pNGaMU/s640/Information_to_take_to_solicitor_1.JPG" width="566" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQA8jTvUVksMuwb_UH6es3pk-OecWPnsWl92Rf9N_aLtrNDTeXNzojM7ywf5Cr26Nx7x6g3E9hesiTGvJ0ZMlq6DUiZihYtxrYgHu0zdvTPTq4uKj1-Yvn3EAJ-TQU2u6IatNgAl9X-Tm/s1600/Information_to_take_to_solicitor_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQA8jTvUVksMuwb_UH6es3pk-OecWPnsWl92Rf9N_aLtrNDTeXNzojM7ywf5Cr26Nx7x6g3E9hesiTGvJ0ZMlq6DUiZihYtxrYgHu0zdvTPTq4uKj1-Yvn3EAJ-TQU2u6IatNgAl9X-Tm/s640/Information_to_take_to_solicitor_2.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflgv2NCYfetFbQTa1ZqDcg2fCw5GyzRM-AaKweVpbR6bo3KmTiLCyxjQ4nVrQhSpno0h5xf0J0NABYTvtis55EFHyxabEd6UdJoaNsf-eFDso535pQ66WzNksUQgcirgAKP9e4TEXk75L/s1600/Information_on_person_with_disability.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflgv2NCYfetFbQTa1ZqDcg2fCw5GyzRM-AaKweVpbR6bo3KmTiLCyxjQ4nVrQhSpno0h5xf0J0NABYTvtis55EFHyxabEd6UdJoaNsf-eFDso535pQ66WzNksUQgcirgAKP9e4TEXk75L/s640/Information_on_person_with_disability.JPG" width="588" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you would like a more accessible version of these questions, contact IDEAS' Information Officers on 180 029 904 or<a href="http://www.ideas.org.au/site/contact" target="_blank"> contact us. </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyrlUfaEnjWb9hbBPVLIhicAARKn1drTQl1Ep2ahvNyKryhX9aFnnJOUMGvkZHICHnIYfhTAQOja-h-Ft_VjjGLVXP-wDwdrc0KUiZlDVZQ_aBv532HcHycmzYBjfnzxofho1zZFeLwkl/s1600/Easy_list_for_belongings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyrlUfaEnjWb9hbBPVLIhicAARKn1drTQl1Ep2ahvNyKryhX9aFnnJOUMGvkZHICHnIYfhTAQOja-h-Ft_VjjGLVXP-wDwdrc0KUiZlDVZQ_aBv532HcHycmzYBjfnzxofho1zZFeLwkl/s640/Easy_list_for_belongings.JPG" width="590" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Easy English Wills</h3>
<div>
It is essential that everyone has an understanding of what wills are and how they would like their assets to be distributed. The following Easy English guide is a template to help every one with the planning process. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22zrC3Cs0rpiHKiMhzc2VuuoVyMr7cRgF1UXK2Dxt_ulUZY9FZOHj6uLoMEvTfdwWGs9lSG0bs2Xxw09QcAMXAzDQuiErM6alx_ZaF7ePtMO3AUXY4tbr8Jn4EQdKDH9tnCpb2QUCt_uv/s1600/Easy_English_Will.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22zrC3Cs0rpiHKiMhzc2VuuoVyMr7cRgF1UXK2Dxt_ulUZY9FZOHj6uLoMEvTfdwWGs9lSG0bs2Xxw09QcAMXAzDQuiErM6alx_ZaF7ePtMO3AUXY4tbr8Jn4EQdKDH9tnCpb2QUCt_uv/s640/Easy_English_Will.JPG" width="620" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Information sourced from: A Resource for people planning for the future, Easy English Planning Guide, NDIS Help. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-14682572140633019322017-01-30T10:44:00.001+11:002017-01-30T10:44:19.538+11:00Growing Demand for Cricket Creates All Abilities Leagues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgih4kViW1Sx2XbETrU92_SJDhJwTFK95q5QzSyU_fOng16_MKIN1wTg0-X9C706Qh5z1gpRmc-ePuolsJo6w3m-8YNaws8-50Klv_DISf9ArPy4wEpYdtG9B6dOZsGBHj04q8wnrczp-/s1600/cricket-150561_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgih4kViW1Sx2XbETrU92_SJDhJwTFK95q5QzSyU_fOng16_MKIN1wTg0-X9C706Qh5z1gpRmc-ePuolsJo6w3m-8YNaws8-50Klv_DISf9ArPy4wEpYdtG9B6dOZsGBHj04q8wnrczp-/s320/cricket-150561_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Australia, cricket and summer go hand-in-hand. Its’
popularity evident in the number of series and tournaments that occur during
the summer season, from Boxing Day Tests, through to the Big Bash League. It is
no wonder that cricket is Australia’s <a href="http://www.cricket.com.au/news/cricket-australia-census-participation-numbers-women-men-children-james-sutherland/2016-08-23" target="_blank">number one participation sport</a>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, for some Aussies donning the whites, grabbing a bat
and going out onto the cricket pitch isn’t as easy as it sounds, or should be. People
with disability often have a desire to participate but barriers exclude them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not for much longer though. New, all abilities, integrated
leagues in <a href="http://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/news/article/new-melbourne-all-abilities-cricket-association-launched">Victoria</a>
and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-21/disabled-non-disabled-players-in-combined-cricket-league/8043800">Western
Australia</a> have been created (as well as South Australia and NSW). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The aim of the leagues are to create inclusive environments
for players and to bridge the gap between able-bodied players and persons with
disability, whether physical or intellectual. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Games are played on the same venues and at the same time as
other games, with only minimal moderations to build confidence and create
inclusiveness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Participants have expressed excitement about the inclusive
leagues “I see this as another way to make friends and to keep fit”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The success of the leagues could not have been achieved
without the determination and determination from volunteers and members of the
cricket clubs to bring these leagues to fruition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">NSW- </span><a href="http://www.cricketnsw.com.au/get-involved/playing-cricket/all-abilities"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.cricketnsw.com.au/get-involved/playing-cricket/all-abilities</span></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">VIC- </span><a href="http://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/get-involved/all-abilities"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/get-involved/all-abilities</span></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">SA- </span><a href="http://www.saca.com.au/get-involved/a-sport-for-all/disability-cricket"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.saca.com.au/get-involved/a-sport-for-all/disability-cricket</span></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">WA- </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://waca.com.au/other/id.php?m=6&ID=49">http://waca.com.au/other/id.php?m=6&ID=49</a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information about inclusive sports clubs and
activities in your area, contact IDEAS on 1800 029 904 or visit <a href="http://ideas.org.au/">ideas.org.au</a>. </div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-77129475107656798532017-01-10T14:54:00.000+11:002017-01-10T14:54:04.466+11:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Where does hope lie, when leaders aren't even embracing diversity? </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirixzqLU5PFwUIOZEDn1qS50PxF4d0o2M8d8MqGruk092VSVFEsaWH8P3gqVHehExBBE5fvoJ5NaGp4KoKwqccszf2mnkX__3xrJq_ooX3Cn6UxGTAWQCFNaaefO2PAYhw_Mse9_YYG5Bf/s1600/Meryl_streep_golden_globes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirixzqLU5PFwUIOZEDn1qS50PxF4d0o2M8d8MqGruk092VSVFEsaWH8P3gqVHehExBBE5fvoJ5NaGp4KoKwqccszf2mnkX__3xrJq_ooX3Cn6UxGTAWQCFNaaefO2PAYhw_Mse9_YYG5Bf/s320/Meryl_streep_golden_globes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[Image depicts actress Meryl Streep holding her Golden Globe and giving her acceptance speech]</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the recent Golden Globes, during her <a href="https://youtu.be/NxyGmyEby40">acceptance speech</a>, Meryl Streep, in an unnamed
accusation, highlighted the incident where Donald Trump, the US
President-elect, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-27/trump-mocks-disabled-reporter/6979190">mocked
a reporter with a disability</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was huge outcry from media, celebrities and the
general public. Donald Trump retaliated saying that Meryl was ‘overrated’ and
denied mocking the reporter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever your thoughts about Meryl Streep, Donald Trump and
Hollywood in general, she did raise some very important points. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If a person in a position of leadership, of power, can
humiliate by mocking an individual in such a public forum, where they are
unable to defend themselves, then what hope do the underrepresented in society
have? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Humiliation is a form of bullying. If leaders are doing it,
then others perceive it as an acceptable form of behaviour, giving permission
to do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For too long, mocking, bullying and humiliation have been
rife in society. Yes, there are certain attributes that make a leader such as
confidence, stoicism and passion, yet there are so many other attributes that
make a <i>great</i> leader such as
open-mindedness, integrity and inspiration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps some of the best leaders are those from a diverse
background, where their abilities outweighed their disabilities. From large
companies such as the founder of Braun Corporations to previous US President
Roosevelt, knowing what opportunities inclusiveness brought made them great
leaders, which is something that perhaps some of today’s leaders should think
about implementing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily here in Australia, we are seeing far more stories
about embracing diversity and greater rates of inclusiveness. Leaders, please
take note: embrace diversity, realise that every person has different strengths
and that there is opportunity to grow in every strength, whereby no opportunity
is missed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wondering how you can become the next leader, why not get information from IDEAS on 1800 029 904 or <a href="http://ideas.org.au/">ideas.org.au</a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-64125117610771484302016-12-12T09:45:00.000+11:002016-12-12T09:46:32.830+11:00Accessible film screening gives unique opportunity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_6TTS20Dlim_BVNVP8iBibEgniyBmcQXoCgRCsT5YETip7FwM7Z-ebARzf4fVXp71l7MIf0fqynBb5AwH6nGcXo-2lXGqFRa3szWJPWdp9AOv8Dx1FIhx4lVvmWLL28kkClx9COIVykg/s1600/Red+Dog+True+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_6TTS20Dlim_BVNVP8iBibEgniyBmcQXoCgRCsT5YETip7FwM7Z-ebARzf4fVXp71l7MIf0fqynBb5AwH6nGcXo-2lXGqFRa3szWJPWdp9AOv8Dx1FIhx4lVvmWLL28kkClx9COIVykg/s1600/Red+Dog+True+Blue.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
IDEAS recently sponsored the Access All Areas Film Festival Gala Screening, which took place on 4th December. It offered audiences the opportunity to experience the new Australian film, Red Dog: True Blue with a variety of accessible features and environments.<br />
<br />
Red Dog: True Blue opens in cinemas on Boxing Day. The world premiere of the film took place the night before the Gala Screening so the Gala audience were among the first people in the world to enjoy the film. It was important to the Festival organisers, The Bardic Studio, to offer this experience to people who so often have to wait until a film comes out on Blue ray. They hope to offer a new Australian film every year.<br />
<br />
The film was popular with the audience and quite a few people said they’d been moved to tears at the end. There was an atmosphere of celebration as people expressed their pride in the standard of this new Australian film and chatted about their favourite moments. The two Red Dogs, Abby and Saffie, who were brought along by their generous handler Jamie, received an abundance of cuddles at the end of the screening as guests left the cinema.<br />
<br />
This year, the Gala Screening moved to Event Cinemas Parramatta and was held on a Sunday at 11am. Many long term supporters attended and shared their experience of the growth and development of the Festival. There were also a lot of people attending for the first time and it was exciting to see the diversity of the audience.<br />
<br />
The Gala screened in three screening rooms concurrently. The first screening was with an audio description read live by Frances Mathey from Ericsson who also wrote the audio description for the film. The second screening was with open captions and Auslan interpretation by Yasmin. The third screening was a relaxed screening where people were welcome to be themselves and enjoy the film in whatever way they wished and move around as they needed to. There was also a chill out area adjacent to the screening room.<br />
<br />
The organisers worked with Westfield Shopping Centre to create a document that detailed the best ways to access the building and get to the cinema complex. For the first time this year a Visual Story was created for the cinema complex and the film.<br />
<br />
The 2016 Access All Areas Gala Screening stepped up the access offered by commercial cinema environments this year and the organisers are determined to build on those steps in 2017. They welcome feedback from the disability community, particularly ideas about additional features, supports or information that they can provide to enable more people to experience cinema with as much ease as possible. If you’d like to contribute your ideas please email jacqueline@bardicstuio.com.au<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-62955613756103393172016-12-06T09:51:00.003+11:002016-12-06T09:51:50.292+11:00The Wiggles embrace sign language to create better accessibility<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC7IC0FTxSrunS7WmVS2Dnzfj35QdwhrWJ5IYUM3uRyC00QnlNfU0FOrcTziTMuyKFBmerJUE7iDKOL-bEoPQyV1YIet-XMbiQ0HIQHlOxvlMihBhQoFNA9KWGXQYoFhy_20RpTHT5MxN/s1600/Emma_yellow_wiggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC7IC0FTxSrunS7WmVS2Dnzfj35QdwhrWJ5IYUM3uRyC00QnlNfU0FOrcTziTMuyKFBmerJUE7iDKOL-bEoPQyV1YIet-XMbiQ0HIQHlOxvlMihBhQoFNA9KWGXQYoFhy_20RpTHT5MxN/s320/Emma_yellow_wiggle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Wiggles have been entertaining children for over 25 years. Their fans are diverse, loved by children in many countries, languages and, of differing needs.<br />
<br />
They have recently embarked on their Dance, Dance the Wiggles Big Show, bringing entertainment to thousands of children across Australia. One defining feature about The Wiggles (and in large part to their success) is their ability to communicate with children. One of the main features (in addition to the music naturally) of this show is the inclusion of two large screens on stage featuring children signing, or Auslan, to all of The Wiggles’ songs.<br />
<br />
Emma, more commonly known as “The Yellow Wiggle”, also ‘signs’ during the concert. Emma is passionate about making The Wiggles’ music accessible for everyone. Emma speaks about her passion for inclusiveness in this recent interview on Sunrise: <a href="https://youtu.be/AeGtTLPj80g">https://youtu.be/AeGtTLPj80g</a>. She has also recently embarked on a video combining Auslan and dance to a Justin Timberlake song: <a href="https://youtu.be/0IuOzO5YCAA">https://youtu.be/0IuOzO5YCAA</a>. <br />
<br />
Is this merely a momentary trend that will pass, or does it finally mean that children with disability are fully part of mainstream community?<br />
<br />
Admittedly, there are definitely more occasions where children from all walks of life are appearing in mainstream advertising. Kmart recently featured an advert where one of the stars was a little girl who had Down Syndrome: <a href="https://youtu.be/eS3XwyNUsAE">https://youtu.be/eS3XwyNUsAE</a>.<br />
<br />
Whilst these are fantastic examples of companies and brands supporting inclusiveness through greater access to their music, products and services, here’s hoping that this is not a passing trend and is an opportunity for people with disability to live just like everyone else.<br />
<br />
For more information on anything related to Auslan, why not contact the team at IDEAS on 1800 029 904 or visit <a href="http://www.ideas.org.au/">www.ideas.org.au</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-57145961522870788592016-10-13T14:51:00.003+11:002016-10-14T11:33:56.157+11:00The Man on the Melbourne Tram<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKyC7qge2urlDKBNlyPxVrkMy3vuhajUoRrMFtugqJ_QlJLjeHKEYSJx3SVQl5Hkh8gtQ17GlnCxmRSacDocw7ecQn0FLsEJ8dRPvapoQkFFA9WL3RBmUgXveOiwD_iTxRbGW8z7iZdwu/s1600/join+us+for+a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="A man stands alone and looking confused in a busy street scene." border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKyC7qge2urlDKBNlyPxVrkMy3vuhajUoRrMFtugqJ_QlJLjeHKEYSJx3SVQl5Hkh8gtQ17GlnCxmRSacDocw7ecQn0FLsEJ8dRPvapoQkFFA9WL3RBmUgXveOiwD_iTxRbGW8z7iZdwu/s640/join+us+for+a.png" title="The Man on the Melbourne Tram" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it because he was dressed like everyone else? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it because he wasn't rocking in his seat and counting cards? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it because he didn't <i>look</i> disabled? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week a Facebook user posted a photo of a man on a Melbourne tram and detailed her encounter with him as she saw it. The man was accused of being intimidating and threatening towards young women and more specifically young women of Asian decent. He was accused of being a drug user and called predatory. The post attracted in excess of 80,000 likes and was shared more than 10,000 times. Immediately comments appeared under the post that called for various violent acts to be perpetrated against the man in retaliation. Among the frenzy of people tutting and mindlessly sharing the story was a prominent feminist activist and author, Clementine Ford, someone who does not shy away from publicly revealing the faces and names of alleged perpetrators. Hastags such as #silentnomore and #fightlikeagirl were added to the story and assisted in its circulation. The story was also picked up by the mainstream media and was published by online news outlets. Several hours after the story broke people who knew the man contacted the original poster, privately and publicly, and advised her that the man had Autism and often asks for high-fives on the tram (this has not been verified). It was suggested that he was not a violent person and was well known to at least some tram users. The post was not removed by the poster until she began to receive threats via private message. The threats against the poster were not necessary however it was also not necessary for her to post an identifying image of the man on a public forum with inflammatory remarks attached.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So why? Why was this story shared en masse without any questions being raised about the veracity of her claims? And why, despite his face being shared 10,000 times, was this man all but invisible to the poster and the eager social media sharers?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon first reading the article it occurred to me that the man was socially inept; he hadn't physically grabbed anyone nor had he verbally abused anyone. Lets have a look at the way the interaction is written about:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye8BnB9bzARWhn22kMddpSJlHBdLnX1g1WiFuOzWUoFZqU_hDcMMzBxXP7oytLObxK6YKcdo6mt-0jLyvMz0wuSzhzYpAEkG6tUZnBFmw_WHLJIrsXDgOlI10Hty5vvq76nAtMrBkr-TW/s1600/clip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye8BnB9bzARWhn22kMddpSJlHBdLnX1g1WiFuOzWUoFZqU_hDcMMzBxXP7oytLObxK6YKcdo6mt-0jLyvMz0wuSzhzYpAEkG6tUZnBFmw_WHLJIrsXDgOlI10Hty5vvq76nAtMrBkr-TW/s320/clip1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLdeDEQZWtMJGXUtNUEZ320UrO3nZXR8weRZ05CHyi8JpVokp0Upl-rCyLFpQoyFQkJn2isWd_TediLesmLrU4s8WhTDTt2Jh933USE0P0iripdvQD6QGts18Z5Q21oElVSKNZw3sM_rS/s1600/clip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLdeDEQZWtMJGXUtNUEZ320UrO3nZXR8weRZ05CHyi8JpVokp0Upl-rCyLFpQoyFQkJn2isWd_TediLesmLrU4s8WhTDTt2Jh933USE0P0iripdvQD6QGts18Z5Q21oElVSKNZw3sM_rS/s320/clip2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Both of these examples have the female poster extrapolating a malicious intent from a few socially awkward encounters. I do not deny that the women on the tram possibly felt intimidated and frightened. I do not doubt for a second that the female poster believed that this man was behaving inappropriately. What I do doubt is our ability as a society to discuss and deal with issues relating to disability. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3830176/Man-Melbourne-tram-labelled-lowlife-creep-autistic-loves-giving-strangers-high-fives.html#commentse" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> published a follow up article on the 10th October 2016 which reveals that the man on the tram has Autism. Doing a search of Facebook hash tags for the original posters name reveals a handful of admissions from those who shared the original article expressing regret that they hadn't looked into it more thoroughly before sharing. What is absent though is commentary from the original poster and high profile sharers like Clementine Ford.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why are we afraid to talk about disability?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The behaviours exhibited by the man on the tram may have intimidated the women involved but how do we address that? There is an absence of dialogue surrounding people with disability; we don't talk about disability - we hide it and ignore it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Mentally ill people were popularly considered ‘dangerous’ and were confined and separated from the
broader society. The location of asylums away from large population centres reflected this principle.
Mental illness was out of sight, and mostly out of mind"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The segregation of those with mental illness and intellectual disability referred to above is not ancient history. In the 1960s the global civil rights movement led to the growth of advocacy for those who had been institutionalised; 'Mental Hospitals' and 'Asylums' were renamed and the Mental Health Act was established in 1962. It wasn't until 1992 with the establishment of the National Mental Health Policy that reform began. This policy was followed by the Report of the <a href="http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/report-national-inquiry-human-rights-people-mental-illness" target="_blank">National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People With Mental Illness</a> which found that, unsurprisingly, "People affected by mental illness are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. They suffer from widespread systemic discrimination and are consistently denied the rights and services to which they are entitled."2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently there are only a handful of Psychiatric Institutions still operating in Australia and the general consensus among those treating patients is that integration in the community is beneficial to those suffering from mental illness or intellectual disability. I would also add that integration is also of benefit to the wider community especially within the school environment; encountering difference on a daily basis imparts an understanding and an acceptance that theoretical ethics can not. Perhaps if the original poster had encountered similar Autistic behaviours previously she may have reacted differently? Perhaps if society was more aware of disability in general we may have not seen these vicious social media attacks on an unnamed man?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJJIoIqd-iB-1q-WzZtEwf_teoim35Z76l31U4RebsmTciVKajCQ4qZZfWYYlAvq21i8DNh_H_ljnojG0cLHca0Z8DY2OCfyqvRjlW_KUeeA8TPtPtocNDqG1WigBnhyphenhyphenAB0E8kW7VGAGD/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJJIoIqd-iB-1q-WzZtEwf_teoim35Z76l31U4RebsmTciVKajCQ4qZZfWYYlAvq21i8DNh_H_ljnojG0cLHca0Z8DY2OCfyqvRjlW_KUeeA8TPtPtocNDqG1WigBnhyphenhyphenAB0E8kW7VGAGD/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps a better way to deal with this would have been to speak directly to the tram driver or having taken the picture she could have spoken to the police about the incident. The police may have been aware of the man if he is a frequent traveller and may have been able to contact him or his family to deal with the issue head on. They may have also been able to direct her to resources that could assist in the future should she encounter him again. No one has the right to make someone feel unsafe, however when we are dealing with mental illness or intellectual disability we can not expect that the same awareness around personal space for example exists. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We, as a community, need to educate ourselves about disability. We need to see disability as part of OUR lives even if we may not necessarily be affected by a disability ourselves. Maybe then we will be able to deal with incidences like this in a way that doesn't result in public shaming and torrents of abuse. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*** Since writing this article I have noticed a few anti-feminist websites and bloggers posting equally vicious and awful things to social media about the original poster and others who shared the post. I don't blame the woman involved for being frightened nor do I blame 'feminism'; what is lacking is an acceptable and inclusive dialogue about disability - nothing about us, without us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you or anyone you know is affected by challenging behaviours in children or adults who are on the Autism Spectrum you may find the following resources helpful: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/challenging_behaviors_tool_kit.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Challenging Behaviours Toolkit</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.autism.org.uk/challengingbehaviour" target="_blank">Autism UK</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/autism-spectrum-disorder/interventions-for-challenging-behaviour-in-adults-with-autism" target="_blank">NICE Pathways</a></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">References: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/clinical-staff/mental-health/reports/qld-mh-history.pdf" target="_blank">The Road to Recovery - a History of Mental Health Services in Queensland 1859-2009</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <a href="http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/report-national-inquiry-human-rights-people-mental-illness" target="_blank">Report of the National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People With Mental Illness</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3830176/Man-Melbourne-tram-labelled-lowlife-creep-autistic-loves-giving-strangers-high-fives.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Daily Mail Article with the original post.</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-68142500365739499392016-08-16T14:30:00.004+10:002016-08-16T16:50:27.115+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">NDIS Portal Glitch Stretches to 8 Weeks</span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaZDeYLIKHVPH0JEAOv3BCet6FzkDK4LCwnoHi2iUI29BbspW4g-0kn6fK0G7q8ePplm8NCe4XIj9OwMkYSo2TRIow_EQ8D80bVWsL7AGAVRJYTjnb-Vefs1mziJg731JFgBI_0kVgCSa/s1600/laptopimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaZDeYLIKHVPH0JEAOv3BCet6FzkDK4LCwnoHi2iUI29BbspW4g-0kn6fK0G7q8ePplm8NCe4XIj9OwMkYSo2TRIow_EQ8D80bVWsL7AGAVRJYTjnb-Vefs1mziJg731JFgBI_0kVgCSa/s320/laptopimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Glitches with the National Disability Insurance Agency’s
portal and payment system are persisting with many service providers and NDIS
participants questioning the Government’s lack of action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The National Census website, which was brought down by alleged
hack attempts, was immediately scheduled for investigation and repair to bring
the site back online. In comparison the NDIS portal, through which participants
manage their funds and make payments to their providers, has been working
inconsistently for the last 8 weeks. As the weeks roll by one starts to wonder
if the delays are a reflection of the Government’s commitment to the NDIS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Australian reported that some providers have had to
turn away patients due to the delays in payment; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speech
pathologist Diana Bleby said she was owed more than $5000 by the NDIS and was
now drawing on a line of credit to sustain her practice in Adelaide’s northern
suburbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
don’t work as a speech pathologist to earn the big bucks,” Ms Bleby said. “We
get some payments from the NDIS but it’s highly unpredictable. My
line-of-credit loan is getting less and less flexible and I need to pay rent
and contractors.”<w:sdt citation="t" id="64845000"><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> CITATION Pud16 \l 3081 <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span><![endif]--> (Puddy, 2016)<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--></w:sdt> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where will this leave patients? It is more likely than
not that the patients have had to sit on waiting lists in the first place just to be seen by their providers and now they face cancelled appointments and
breaks in treatment because providers can not afford to continue working
without payment. As a break in treatment
could have devastating effects on a patient’s progress, many families are being
forced to pay for treatments themselves to avoid being thrown back on to a
waiting list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kate Bradbrook's
family includes two children who are eligible for NDIS funding, a 12-year-old
and a five-year-old. The elder child had her plan approved before the end of
June but despite a planning meeting, the younger child's approval has been
delayed because of the glitch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> "My planner told me to start booking
therapy when we had our planning meeting," Ms Bradbrook said. "She
said it wouldn't take long for his plan to be approved. It's ready to go,
everything's done, but because of the current issues with the system, his plan
can't be approved."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ms Bradbrook said
NDIS told her any therapy he had received would not be covered until his plan
was approved. "I'm probably up to $1,000 out of pocket, which I've been
told won't be reimbursed," she said. <w:sdt citation="t" id="-459886504"><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>CITATION Wal16 \l 3081 <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span><![endif]-->(Waldhuter, 2016)<!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span><![endif]--></w:sdt><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4b4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately it seems that the general
public’s disregard for people with disability resonates with the Government.
How else can we explain the difference in the way that the census website was
dealt with? Is it that the Census is a money-making endeavour where the NDIS is
seen as a drain on the public purse or is there a more deep-seated issue at
hand? With the NDIS we were told that PWD would finally have a voice; we can
HIRE our own providers and we can FIRE them if they don’t live up to standards.
The promise of self-determination and self-management, through the use of the
NDIS Portal, has ended up in a huge technological bungle and no one who can do
anything about it seems to care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4b4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For too long PWD have been pushed to the fringe
of society; we have been told we need to be grateful for what we get and not to
complain about poor service levels. The introduction of the NDIS is the biggest
change to the social services landscape since the introduction of the universal
healthcare system in the 1970s. It
promised increased funding, autonomy and integration. It promised that PWD
would be in control of their lives and their futures. Sadly these glitches have,
at least temporarily, taken away the promise of self-management and replaced it
with worrying delays and unexpected expense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4b4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Government needs to reassert its commitment
to the NDIS by ensuring the portal is fully functioning and by taking the
concerns of PWD and service providers seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4b4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the 5<sup>th</sup> August Minister for
Social Services and Disability Services Christian Porter announced a review of
the implementation of NDIS IT system would be undertaken and has made
assurances that what they deem as the ‘central issues’ with the portal have
already been resolved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #4b4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The NDIA has advised that service providers
will be compensated for the delays in payment and that affected parties can
contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to discuss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Works Cited</h3>
<h1>
<w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></h1>
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>BIBLIOGRAPHY <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Puddy, R. (2016, August 4). Cash-strapped providers
‘turn away patients’ due to NDIS bungle. <i>The Australian</i>. Retrieved from
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/cashstrapped-providers-turn-away-patients-due-to-ndis-bungle/news-story/6d412d8af84c1a9e12fa3d6816f6088b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waldhuter, L. (2016, August 10). NDIS providers
entering eighth week without payment as families face approval delays.
Retrieved from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-10/ndis-providers-entering-their-eighth-week-without-payment/7711754</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<w:sdt docparttype="Bibliographies" docpartunique="t" id="451521065" sdtdocpart="t">
</w:sdt>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-35356884239133027932015-06-16T16:55:00.000+10:002015-06-16T17:13:11.983+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="entry-title grid-eight instapaper_title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 42px; letter-spacing: -0.025em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; width: 668px;">
Doing justice to disability: </h1>
<h1 class="entry-title grid-eight instapaper_title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 42px; letter-spacing: -0.025em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; width: 668px;">
the upside of TEDx’s Stella bungle</h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcxXh3wohijBvupu3AeGa60tuHcV39U1A9FrGXzABeruc-t_rdpQoxDp8QxFdwUWPVoC4VovjGHZ30oxpaxd9x4D756LXh9oF3vhL6kfbvmMoAJB7DvooImKGs38r-KUCm3vMATvxf72L/s1600/Stella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcxXh3wohijBvupu3AeGa60tuHcV39U1A9FrGXzABeruc-t_rdpQoxDp8QxFdwUWPVoC4VovjGHZ30oxpaxd9x4D756LXh9oF3vhL6kfbvmMoAJB7DvooImKGs38r-KUCm3vMATvxf72L/s640/Stella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The social media storm of blowback around the TEDX
initiative in memory of Stella Young is as unfortunate in some frames as it was
predictable if you like me had been working in the so-called ‘disability
sector’ for some time. Lessons learned in this exciting and truly revolutionary
space include the security of understanding that true person centredness which
has a robust listening frame without prejudice for each individual living their
own whole lives are instructive. As is indeed the position of generous grace
required for us all to recognise the barriers shared by all persons with
disability regardless of the particular condition or so-called impairment with
which they come. There is much attitudinally to be left behind from the old
systems for Australians to step into the space of active and sovereign
citizenry for any person who lives with disability. One of the first steps to
be of course recognising that the person is whole and their life experiences
add always to the complex and rich mosaic of diversity in our common wealth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://theconversation.com/doing-justice-to-disability-the-upside-of-tedxs-stella-bungle-42324?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+27+May+2015+-+2869&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+27+May+2015+-+2869+CID_2970c36c94a2e0cafce9f5ee47859ecc&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Doing%20justice%20to%20disability%20the%20upside%20of%20TEDxs%20Stella%20bungle" target="_blank">The Conversation - Article (click to hyperlink)</a></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-6041780608790011062015-04-21T10:51:00.000+10:002015-04-21T10:51:26.334+10:00Making schools safer and more welcoming for LGBTQI students<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
IDEAS publishes this as part of the creative commons license
provided by the Conversation. Should any issue be raised in this that is
important for you , a family member or person with disability Call us for Free
on 1800 029 904.IDEAS has free live chat on our website at <a href="http://www.ideas.org.au.%20%20family/">www.ideas.org.au. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Family Planning NSW is also a great resource on 1300
658 886.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtImD7J8REIPeaepQMNo7OdnlHjRW80_W-hnBXttOf5nxtPsi-QH8ZO_atD8NJDK4yKiPV9QYeZSIq6Otr90SGorNbSSTWHO_bFmeVVFnZkfIDGlsKke5k-Bq4zzBqcwBMc33Sgt9ER0V/s1600/Safer+Schools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtImD7J8REIPeaepQMNo7OdnlHjRW80_W-hnBXttOf5nxtPsi-QH8ZO_atD8NJDK4yKiPV9QYeZSIq6Otr90SGorNbSSTWHO_bFmeVVFnZkfIDGlsKke5k-Bq4zzBqcwBMc33Sgt9ER0V/s1600/Safer+Schools.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">Heterosexual students don’t benefit from not knowing about homosexuality. </span><span class="attribution" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #cccccc; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="source" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">from www.shutterstock.com.au</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Australian Curriculum is largely silent on the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexed (LGBTQI) students and only discusses sexuality explicitly in the <a href="http://wwww.australiancurriculum.edu.au/health-and-physical-education/student-diversity" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">health and physical education curriculum</a>. Other key curriculum areas do not make explicit mention of sexuality and gender diversity, and if it is not mentioned in the curriculum documents, teachers will be reluctant to teach it.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/national-curriculum-review" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">Much debate</a> has surrounded the implementation and review of the national curriculum, including its political, cultural and religious agendas. However, the reality for LGBTQI students is that the curriculum <a href="http://www.opendoors.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/lgbt-youth-suicide.pdf" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">oppresses and silences</a> those who don’t conform to heterosexist ideals.</div>
<h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1em 0px 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Sexuality isn’t just for adults</h2>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
To consider LGBTQI people are of all ages is to acknowledge that young people possess a sexuality and have a gender identity. To think of young people as sexual beings is often taboo.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Information about adolescent sexuality, particularly homosexuality, remains largely ignored in schools. Young people are denied access to the most evident parts of gay and lesbian culture – particularly bars and social clubs - with legal, social, financial and political barriers that prevent any legitimate participation by young LGBTQI people.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A wide range of research, including the report <a href="http://www.glhv.org.au/files/wti3_web_sml.pdf" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">Writing them In</a>, indicates that heterosexism continues to dominate the hidden and explicit curricula of Australian schools. This reinforces and perpetuates homophobic oppression, reflecting wider societal attitudes to sexuality and gender diversity.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Heteronormativity, the presentation of heterosexuality as the “natural” manifestation of human sexuality, remains prevalent in Australian schools and in the curriculum. Many elements in society are reluctant to address or even acknowledge teenage sexuality, particularly homosexuality.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
This has implications for young people. At a time when they are first aware of their emerging sexual desires and while they attempt to forge a sexual identity, they are often presented with <a href="http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-lgbti-people/factors-affecting-lgbti-people" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">little accurate information about sex</a>. This is particularly true for same-sex-attracted teenagers.</div>
<h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1em 0px 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
If they can’t learn it at school, where can they?</h2>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Young people need affirmation that their desires and feelings are natural and “normal”. If they can’t learn about their sexuality in a safe environment where the messages are targeted, they may turn to the internet. Not all of the material they’re looking for online is appropriate for someone of their age, or encouraging that what they are experiencing is natural and okay.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Young adult imaginative literature, historical resources and inclusive texts in language classrooms <a href="http://www.englishliteracyconference.com.au/files/documents/hobart/conferencePapers/refereed/RhodesDavid.pdf" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">provide safe places for discussions</a> about homosexuality, sexual diversity and gender variance.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The recently implemented Australian curriculum remains largely silent about sexual diversity. When it is mentioned explicitly, sexuality is largely delegated to the biological. The physical health and development curriculum mentions sexuality, but only in terms of sexual health, reproduction and the physical aspects of sexuality.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Within this context there is little room for the myriad expressions of sexuality beyond the biological and physical. The emotional, spiritual and lived experiences of LGBTQI people and the contributions they have made to society are nowhere to be found in the curriculum.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It is therefore necessary for schools to provide information and a supportive environment for this transition from being assumed to be heterosexual, to self-identifying and being recognised as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, <a href="http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/knowledge-hub/publications/growing-queer/" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">to be as painless as possible</a>. A multicultural curriculum enhances opportunities to promote understanding about difference.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
However, there are barriers that prevent open dialogue about LGBTQI issues in schools. These include religious, moral or political objections; limited numbers of openly LGBTQI teachers and students; limited opportunities to interact with openly LGBTQI people in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPXQ9npthtg" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">school activities</a>; and stereotyped hysteria about recruiting young people to homosexuality.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
As a supposedly progressive and liberal society, we need to discard our prejudices to ensure that all young people are protected and safe at school. <a href="https://theconversation.com/telling-kids-homophobia-is-wrong-wont-stop-bullying-in-schools-30348" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">Homophobic violence</a> remains a significant issue in Australian schools.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Discrimination is based on a lack of understanding of sexual diversity. The only way to eliminate discrimination is through open discussions about sexuality inclusive of sexual diversity, and the promotion of tolerance and inclusion.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
In rural Australian communities, where resources for same-sex-attracted youth are <a href="http://www.unitingcarewest.org.au/services/youth/true-colours/" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">limited, stretched or non-existent</a>, schools may be the only <a href="http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">safe place for such discussions</a>.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
There is no benefit for heterosexual students to remain ignorant of homosexuality, and for same-sex-attracted youth to feel isolated and marginalised.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 29.3333339691162px; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Regional, rural and remote Australia have <a href="https://theconversation.com/homophobia-is-a-health-hazard-not-just-for-ian-thorpe-29148" style="color: #557585; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">unacceptably high statistics</a> on youth suicide, drug and alcohol use/abuse and mental health issues related to sexuality and gender diversity. These alone are clear indicators that discussion of sexual and gender diversity in the Australian curriculum and schools can’t be ignored anymore.</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-90514277669958140782014-12-16T15:10:00.000+11:002014-12-16T15:10:34.316+11:00New Year's Eve Accessibility Info<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>72</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each year, the Sydney New Year’s Eve event is
viewed by more than a million people around Sydney Harbour and more than a
billion people worldwide. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nu3MX5fzhknhhjz_3WaQrUY3xg1xZDp9ZhclNO11bTMeu7O2lW9N6uq4jGMJZQznzgIUxGcizMhVJEu_P2_vKUTiTMKKyIvrBEgDJpWagPb5BQvOr2_QkTnE0xH1S1h6-fO_TfF09MMa/s1600/NYE13+hero+shot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="picture of harbour, opera house, bridge and boats at night with fireworks coming off harbour bridge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nu3MX5fzhknhhjz_3WaQrUY3xg1xZDp9ZhclNO11bTMeu7O2lW9N6uq4jGMJZQznzgIUxGcizMhVJEu_P2_vKUTiTMKKyIvrBEgDJpWagPb5BQvOr2_QkTnE0xH1S1h6-fO_TfF09MMa/s1600/NYE13+hero+shot+1.jpg" height="265" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of City of Sydney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The City of Sydney aims to produce an
experience of Sydney New Year’s Eve that is safe, inclusive, accessible and enjoyable
for all. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whether you join the 1.6 million spectators on
the Sydney Harbour Foreshore, or take part from the comfort of your own home,
here is some useful information to welcome in the New Year. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>72</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]--></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Top tools to plan your night!</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Your one-stop-shop for everything
accessible<span style="color: #333333;"> – </span><a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/accessibility/"><u><span style="color: blue;">sydneynewyearseve.com/accessibility</span></u></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vantage point mobility access information and route maps for
selected locations <a href="http://sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points">sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points</a></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The official 2014 Sydney New Year’s Eve App brought to you by
Telstra –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://sydneynewyearseve.com/app">sydneynewyearseve.com/app</a></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other ways to be part of the night</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span>Audio
Description </span></b><span>– A live audio description will be broadcast on 2RPH from 7.45pm on
1224AM, 100.5FM, 2RPH digital and online at </span><span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">2rph.org.au</a></span><span>. Highlights including 9PM Family Fireworks,
Harbour of Light Parade and Midnight Fireworks Display will be audio described
live from the foreshore by professional audio describers, bringing the 2014
Sydney New Year’s Eve program to life for listeners.</span></span></span> </div>
<br />
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-81365128526537130402014-12-02T11:58:00.000+11:002014-12-02T12:03:51.548+11:00NSW Disability Inclusion Act (2014) commences<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 3 December 2014, <a href="http://www.idpwd.com.au/" target="_blank"><b>International Day of People with Disability</b></a>, appropriately marks the commencement of the NSW <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disability Inclusion Act (2014)</i>, which
promotes the rights of people with disability and commits the NSW Government to
making communities more inclusive and accessible for people with disability.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This significant legislation, which replaces the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disability Services Act (1993)</i>, has two
broad aims – one is to say how disability supports and services will be
provided in NSW during the move to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS). The other is to make sure that even after NSW has moved to NDIS that
NSW is a place where people with disability can access mainstream services and
be fully included in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“We’ve come a long way in the last few decades” says
Disability Council member Unis Goh, PSM “The many improvements have culminated
in the new Act, which recognises that people with disability have the same
rights as others.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unis also sees the Act as making a strong commitment to
inclusion. “The legislation gives us a vision of a civilised community with
inclusive neighbourhoods but also a framework for removing barriers affecting
people in everyday life.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What this will mean is better access to mainstream services
and facilities and more opportunities for participation in the community. The
benefits will be far-reaching.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To ensure that inclusion becomes a reality, a whole-of-government,
four-year State Disability Inclusion Plan aims to improve access to mainstream
services. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Consistent with this plan, NSW Government departments, local
councils, and some other public authorities will develop disability inclusion
action plans to provide better access to their services to people with
disability. Planning must involve people with disability so that action is
practical and makes a real difference. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.dontdismyability.com.au/" target="_blank">Don’t DIS my ABILITY</a> </b>Ambassador Matthew Hennig looks forward
to more accessible public buildings when councils develop disability inclusion
action plans under the new legislation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinUPEcr_mxBN95flgo8QS5BYu5MCbfgk-4ZbWRKCuliiEuw8VwZtdr-XvnV2c-h4poeinxI3JOuBjqhP5FYqYFzPSQ4geXQdAcAWeZlwp2sJkJTqciETvdm8FsBdGzCd3tOXqiQji2ZW/s1600/matthew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="portrait image of Matthew in a suit and tie smiling at the camera" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinUPEcr_mxBN95flgo8QS5BYu5MCbfgk-4ZbWRKCuliiEuw8VwZtdr-XvnV2c-h4poeinxI3JOuBjqhP5FYqYFzPSQ4geXQdAcAWeZlwp2sJkJTqciETvdm8FsBdGzCd3tOXqiQji2ZW/s1600/matthew.jpg" height="243" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Don’t DIS my ABILITY </b>Ambassador Matthew Hennig</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For Matthew, it’s the simple things (for the rest of society
anyway) that count, like being able to use the front door at a restaurant or
club. Matthew must often use the back door because it’s the only one that is
wheelchair accessible. “It sticks my disability out there when that happens” he
says. Matthew holds a Building Access Appraisal Certificate and so takes a
professional as well as personal interest in accessibility.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Everyone interested is urged to get involved to make sure
these plans reflect what you need to live the life you want.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For further information on the Disability Inclusion Act,
including what it means for people with disability, their families and carers
as well as service providers, please visit <b><a href="http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/dia">www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/dia</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-47563218879857121232014-11-18T16:15:00.001+11:002014-11-18T16:15:34.914+11:00Access All Areas Film Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ideas.org.au/" target="_blank">IDEAS</a> is again pleased to be partnering with The <b>Access All Areas Film Festival</b> (AAAFF) this December.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The AAAFF is a FREE event, bringing accessible screenings of the best Australian feature and short films of the past year to venues near you!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnIsxUkeAYdZStwUx33ROSqT5WcgT24RAF6CvoqIDVzOyZrWXQJQsaCgROwclxbSedNitDb4KgL7y8Qimjm5k0LfGsGpy4qCYt5jfMQkkDoerEUEYfy-Ww1Z8Qbtv3AcKiFin0oRZYR-M/s1600/tracks03+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnIsxUkeAYdZStwUx33ROSqT5WcgT24RAF6CvoqIDVzOyZrWXQJQsaCgROwclxbSedNitDb4KgL7y8Qimjm5k0LfGsGpy4qCYt5jfMQkkDoerEUEYfy-Ww1Z8Qbtv3AcKiFin0oRZYR-M/s1600/tracks03+(3).jpg" height="393" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Feature Film - Tracks</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A family-friendly program of award-winning Australian short films, and feature film <i><b>Tracks</b></i>, Access All Areas brings screenings featuring captions and audio description to accessible venues including cinemas, community centres and schools across Australia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Parramatta– Monday 1st December</b><br /><b>Riverside Theatres</b><br />Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta NSW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">11am – Family Friendly Shorts [Open Captions & Auslan Interpreted]<br />12pm – FREE AFTERNOON TEA!<br />6.30pm – TRACKS, 112 mins, M. [Open Captions & Auslan Interpreted]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />All sessions are FREE but bookings are ESSENTIAL to guarantee your seat!<br />Bookings: 02 8839 3399 or <a href="http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au./">www.riversideparramatta.com.au.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Sydney – Wednesday 3rd December</b><br /><b>Event Cinemas, George St</b><br />505-525 George St, Sydney<br />6.00pm – Opening Night Gala with complimentary drinks<br />6.30Pm – Tracks, 112 Mins, M. - Open Captions & Auslan Interpreted<br />6.30Pm – Tracks, 112 Mins, M. - Open Audio Description</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All sessions are FREE but bookings are ESSENTIAL to guarantee your seat!<br />Bookings: 02 9550 2266 or <a href="mailto:bookings@thefestivalists.com">bookings@thefestivalists.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Campbelltown- THURSDAY, 4 DECEMBER</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Campbelltown Arts Centre</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 Art Gallery Rd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Campbelltown, NSW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10am- <i>Tracks, 112 mins, M </i>- [OPEN CAPTIONS] [AUSLAN INTERPRETER]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1pm- Accessible tour of the Campbelltown Arts Centre</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2pm- <i>Tracks, 112 mins, M</i>- [AUDIO DESCRIBED]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FREE but bookings essential: 9857 2527</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Light refreshments and complimentary popcorn will be served. This is a
partnership between Wesley Disability Services. Campbelltown Arts
Centre and Campbelltown Council.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Casula – Friday 5th December</b><br />Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre<br />1 Powerhouse Rd<br />Casula NSW 2170<br />12Pm – Free BBQ<br />1pm – Family Friendly Shorts - Open Captions & Auslan Interpreted<br />6.30pm – TRACKS, 112 mins, M. - Open Captions & Auslan Interpreted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All sessions are FREE but bookings are ESSENTIAL to guarantee your seat!<br />Bookings: 02 9824 1121 or <a href="mailto:reception@casulapowerhouse.com">reception@casulapowerhouse.com</a></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For further information visit: <a href="http://www.aaaff.com.au/">www.aaaff.com.au</a></span></b></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-55325478884839571662014-09-29T10:30:00.000+10:002014-09-29T10:30:00.812+10:00New Smartphone App for Blind and Vision Impaired Users<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">We came across this great app recently which provides assistance to people who are blind or vision impaired.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The app called <a href="http://www.knfbreader.com/" target="_blank"><b>KNFB Reader</b></a> takes a picture of text using the phone's camera then converts this and reads it out loud to the user.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's packed with some pretty cool extra features including the ability to import, OCR and read image based PDF and JPG. It will export HTML and
TXT files to cloud storage including Dropbox and Google Drive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The app also has multi language support. It can recognise and read printed materials in a variety of
languages including: English, French, German, Dutch(Belgium),
Dutch(Netherlands), Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish,
Swedish, and Norwegian. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's currently available for iPhone 5 & 6 for $99.99 which might seem a bit for an app, but considering what it's capable of - it's a lot cheaper than similar purpose built units / hardware using this technology.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> An Android version is currently in development.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the <a href="http://knfbreader.com/media/demo/audio/KNFBReader%20Official%20unveiling%20NFB14.mp3" target="_blank">launch presentation audio here</a> or check out the video below: </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cS-i9rn9nao?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To find out more visit: <a href="http://www.knfbreader.com/">http://www.knfbreader.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-217466336209778132014-09-25T13:44:00.000+10:002014-09-25T13:44:00.025+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk2aJoUJb5cvDImt62nMYvUPFB_cpANqy0-EWJFTMWHvjWgSD5enDrv1A7aNvN41nzesytJHd3g_F3YzCvThf-BSBWwlfDgaK1aWC5RNi0LWshSsGbOtpgCfsBRjAzYEOQHct4vC6xnyz/s1600/school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cartoon image of a mum, dad and two children walking holding hands." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk2aJoUJb5cvDImt62nMYvUPFB_cpANqy0-EWJFTMWHvjWgSD5enDrv1A7aNvN41nzesytJHd3g_F3YzCvThf-BSBWwlfDgaK1aWC5RNi0LWshSsGbOtpgCfsBRjAzYEOQHct4vC6xnyz/s1600/school.jpg" height="264" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ecia.org.au/" target="_blank">Early Childhood Intervention Australia</a> has recently launched a new website called Transition to School. <br /><br />This is an excellent resource for families who have a child with a disability starting school. It is also useful even if your child has been at school for some time as it can serve as a ‘refresher’ on things such as advocacy skills. <br /><br />There are four broad information areas specific to Families, Services, Schools and the Community.<br /><br />The types of topics covered in the Families section include:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Getting Started - Developing a vision for your child, when to start school</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">My Child and School - Planning, Approaching a school for the first time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How to Apply - Application process, Rights and Responsibilities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing Information - Forming a Transition Team and preparing for meetings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Learning About School - Activities to help your child prepare</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Once Your Child Starts School - What to expect, calming activities for home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Supporting Yourself and Your Family - Yourself, Siblings, Advocacy</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />To access the website visit: <a href="http://www.transitiontoschoolresource.org.au/">www.transitiontoschoolresource.org.au</a><span id="goog_1021105830"></span><span id="goog_1021105831"></span></span></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-57010397852503907982014-09-23T13:37:00.001+10:002014-09-23T13:46:30.036+10:00Accessible Golf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIdOSyXWy9ZxFpN6pm-agn9pgveMJOW9RHnHbWOBN4qeKDDQYpKFal4uCQIjNNxbAdvHGD3a7upiaPx4v0g-8IZ1ww-SHdNU2rJwnhyylcDhDkImyTPKg62mYdtkD39U-wNnt6tYT03Qd/s1600/Moore-Park-Golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIdOSyXWy9ZxFpN6pm-agn9pgveMJOW9RHnHbWOBN4qeKDDQYpKFal4uCQIjNNxbAdvHGD3a7upiaPx4v0g-8IZ1ww-SHdNU2rJwnhyylcDhDkImyTPKg62mYdtkD39U-wNnt6tYT03Qd/s1600/Moore-Park-Golf.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently Moore Park Golf became the first public golf course in Australia to enable people with severe physical disability to enjoy a round of golf.<br /><br />They launched the Paragolfer which is a German designed cart, that will allow people with hemiplegia and quadriplegia the opportunity to experience participating in the sport. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition, Centennial Parklands recently invested over $1M on refurbishment and accessibility upgrades to the Moore Park Golf House, which includes a new accessibility ramp and a unisex accessible toilet.<br /><br />Here’s hoping a few more courses around the country follow suit! If you would like more information visit: <a href="http://www.mooreparkgolf.com.au/paragolf" target="_blank">www.mooreparkgolf.com.au/paragolf </a></span></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-24025018965890691512014-07-29T08:53:00.002+10:002014-07-29T08:53:58.531+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We recently attended a forum on choosing employment for youth with intellectual<br />disability. This forum was put on by The National Council on Intellectual Disability<br />(NCID) and NSW Council on Intellectual Disability.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />The forum was initiated by the mother of a young man, frustrated with the lack<br />of opportunities available for people with disability to be employed in open<br />employment. We heard of some great experiences of people with moderate<br />intellectual disability being employed in mainstream or open employment, such as<br />Jane who now works at an Office Works store in Melbourne.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, we also heard some not so great experiences of how hard it is for people<br />with an intellectual or learning disability to find a job, yet alone keep it.<br />And this seems to be a problem not just limited to intellectual disability. In Australia<br />the employment of people with a disability is 2.9 per cent, yet they make up 15 per<br />cent of the working-age population.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Usually people with disability who are seeking work might use a Disability<br />Employment Services (DES) to help them find a job. Some people have had great<br />experiences, whilst others might have had not so great experiences.<br />So how do you choose the right service for you? In the last 12 months the<br />Government has been keeping a record of the performance of these services<br />right around the country. The great news is that this information is available to<br />you. What’s even better is that the information can be filtered to give you a better<br />understanding of which service might be better at helping you get a job.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can look up the providers in your area - and for instance if you have a physical<br />disability you can see which services have had the best record of helping people<br />with physical disability get a job and keep it.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The same goes if you have an intellectual or any other disability. This is really<br />important when choosing a DES as one service may have a great understanding<br />and experience in one type of disability and perhaps not much understanding or<br />success with another.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.employment.gov.au/disability-employment-services-star-ratings" target="_blank">www.employment.gov.au/disability-employment-services-star-ratings</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So what if you feel you don’t need an employment service to assist you find a job?<br />Usually if you have the skills and experience there shouldn’t be a problem getting<br />an interview. But what happens then when you’re face to face? As an employee or<br />prospective employee you do not have a legal obligation to disclose your disability to<br />an employer however disclosure may be practical in some situations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />An employer is allowed to ask you as a prospective employee if you have a disability<br />which would affect how you do the job. If your disability doesn’t then it’s not really<br />relevant. However, if you think it might and you choose to disclose your disability,<br />the way in which you do it can actually help people understand and not really see it<br />as an issue.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For instance if you choose to disclose the disability at an interview, you might bring<br />a letter from your doctor stating how it affects (or doesn’t) your capacity for work and<br />you might also provide your prospective employer a ‘fact sheet’ on your disability or<br />something similar. You’ve become an expert at disability, but remember that many<br />people may have no idea on disability, so helping them understand really helps in<br />making it become a non issue.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You may also like to let a prospective employer know about the Employment<br />Assistance Fund. This fund is available to provide financial assistance for work<br />related equipment, modifications and services. The types of services can include<br />Auslan interpreters, specialist support for employees with learning disability or<br />mental health condition as well as disability awareness training. The Fund may also<br />provide a free workplace assessment to help identify required modifications.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then as any other candidate would do, tell them about your abilities, skills and what<br />you can bring and add to the organisation. Sometimes your experience of having<br />a disability can be a great way to sell your planning, negotiation and organisational<br />skills for instance. And of course you have skills which are just as good or better<br />than the next person, so make sure you tell your prospective employer about them.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are a number or organisations and corporate entities that have made it a<br />priority to offer employment opportunities to people with disability. These come in<br />the way of open employment, mentorship and paid internships. You can find out<br />more about some of these programs by visiting Australian Network on Disability’s<br />website at <a href="http://www.and.org.au/">www.and.org.au</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are just some of the many ideas and resources available to you to assist in finding that job.</span></span></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-62324542102572662132014-05-14T14:59:00.000+10:002014-05-14T15:01:26.672+10:00Budget 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yRP25fS8zCqa6-QMzs46uG6YNYB_S7Zy1b5HBi8rxjfGaf-iPR_IWA3y37OjnTNl1X6LVeV3KkQVFi0CRpTQh2z28n5zQt01Abc1A_p2h2JMmT_DhfMFIwkfiFzaHBrxyevJuJieA8iQ/s1600/budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of 2014-15 Budget Overview with Green cover. Date 13 May 2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yRP25fS8zCqa6-QMzs46uG6YNYB_S7Zy1b5HBi8rxjfGaf-iPR_IWA3y37OjnTNl1X6LVeV3KkQVFi0CRpTQh2z28n5zQt01Abc1A_p2h2JMmT_DhfMFIwkfiFzaHBrxyevJuJieA8iQ/s1600/budget.jpg" height="320" title="" width="222" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So what to make of the Federal Budget handed down last night by Treasurer Joe Hockey?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Here’s a quick snippet of some of the main points that may affect you.<br /><br /><b>NDIS </b><br />The NDIS came through pretty much unscathed with the Government committing to it’s funding and rollout – some good news it seems! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Disability Support Pension</b><br /><br />There are some concerns about the proposed changes to the Disability Support Pension. The Government wants to introduce compulsory activities for Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients under 35 years of age with an assessed work capacity of eight hours or more a week who have a participation plan. These activities will vary depending on a person's circumstances and will focus on obtaining employment. Sanctions for non compliance will be introduced.<br /><br />It will be interesting to see how the Government brings this into practise. It’s all very well for people to be working if they are capable – and there are many people with disabilities that want to work. And it makes good economic sense as well as social sense to have everyone participating in society. <br /><br />However, the figures of people with disability being employed has declined over the past decade. Is this as a result of too much reliance on the DSP, or does it point to another problem?<br /><br />There are countless reports of a distinct lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Why is this? Is it because of a general lack of understanding and willingness from employers to employ people with disabilities? <br /><br />Do some employers see a person with a disability as a liability rather than an asset and put it in the ‘too hard’ basket? <br />So what will the Government do to address this issue to create awareness and better understanding for people with disabilities to gain meaningful employment? <br /><br /><b>Health</b><br /><br /><b>Doctor’s Visits</b><br />The Government is proposing a patient contribution of $7 per service for standard general practitioner consultations and out of hospital pathology and diagnostic imaging services.<br /><br />For patients with concession cards and children under 16 years of age the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebate will only be reduced for the first 10 services in each year, after which it will return to current benefit levels.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />So if you’re someone who has complex health needs and you see your doctor and associated health services regularly and you go over those 10 service visits in a year - it looks like it will cost you more for your health care needs. <br />Cost of medication<br /><br />From 1 January 2015 to Government plans to increase the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co payments and safety net thresholds.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Co payments will increase for general patients by $5.00 (from $37.70 to $42.70) and for concessional patients by $0.80 (from $6.10 to $6.90) in 2015.<br /><br /><b>Pension Indexing</b><br />The Treasurer announced that the Disability Support Pension, the Carer Payment and the Aged Pension will now be indexed in line with CPI Index rather than to the Average Male Weekly Earnings.<br /><br />What does this mean in real terms? Well many believe The CPI index does not reflect the real cost of living, and so feel many will fall further below the poverty line.<br /><br />The proposed changes in the Budget will start to go before the Senate on 1 July 2014. Already there has been major opposition to some of these changes by Labor, the Greens and Clive Palmer – as well as many working in the Social and Health sectors.<br /><br />So it looks like the Government might have bit of a fight on its hands if it’s to get these changes through Parliament. <br /><br />Time will tell.<br /><br />What do you think? Is it a fair budget or is it too tough?</span></span></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-7094146388675262382014-04-28T17:28:00.001+10:002014-04-28T17:28:44.988+10:00Living My Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Aboriginal Disability Network NSW produced a great video to enhance understanding about disability in Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal people with disability and their families from around New South Wales allowed us to capture their stories to share and create awareness for others living with disability. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />These stories offer a positive reflection of how a good life can look and that anything is possible with the right supports.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />View the video below:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/c29WRy_LIPE/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/c29WRy_LIPE&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/c29WRy_LIPE&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-35790072239338216932014-03-26T16:45:00.001+11:002014-03-26T16:45:06.604+11:00Sydney Opera House Accessibility Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Sydney Opera House recently released details of their Accessibilty Program for 2014. The Program includes performances which have: </span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Audio Description</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Auslan</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Opening Captioning </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">as well as Austism Friendly Performances</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are also a number of other accessiblity measures the Opera House has put in place, such as free FM headsets for hearing assistance and a shuttle bus. The bus runs between Circular Quay near Stand E (under the Cahill Expressway) and the Vehicle Concourse on Ground Level for selected performances. However, there are no bus services on Sunday evenings.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To view a full list of the performances <a href="http://d16outft0soac8.cloudfront.net/uploadedFiles/Accessible%20Performance%202014.pdf" target="_blank">click here (opens a pdf)</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can also visit the Opera House's accessibility page for further information or watch the video below.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eo5i7kyDkWU" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-62478329359756717822014-03-10T13:15:00.000+11:002014-03-10T13:15:00.306+11:00Time to Think Big, in Very Little Ways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this piece Christine Regan talks about </span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the little steps that start the big journeys...</span></span></i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpURcOrWPDMAL8OV9_jljVWJIdcwrhGGOglMdkhfhTSWpjBQOtnNdWnx0g25olRN7O7t_YBsbu1UGo5mQDQuXielvomdwFuj7s0PpS9R-toppCXUv5HYloGH1eilZjT0zjMaUIZEmmY8A/s1600/christine_photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpURcOrWPDMAL8OV9_jljVWJIdcwrhGGOglMdkhfhTSWpjBQOtnNdWnx0g25olRN7O7t_YBsbu1UGo5mQDQuXielvomdwFuj7s0PpS9R-toppCXUv5HYloGH1eilZjT0zjMaUIZEmmY8A/s1600/christine_photo.png" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to share some of my own recent experiences when the
intention of being person-centred did not match what happened in real
life. The people involved did not
recognise the contradictions and were certainly embarrassed when they did. The service-centred
system is deeply entrenched in our psyche. We need to dig it up and compost it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been lucky enough to be travelling about this year
doing lots of talking about people with disability and the opportunities that
the future could hold. I talk about people with disability having choice and
making decisions, and how person-centred approaches could benefit people and
families, community and society, services and government.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I mostly do this as part of my paid role and I am sometimes
given a speakers gift for my presentations. In the past it has been a bottle of
wine. This delighted my partner because I am prone to migraine and a major
migraine trigger for many years has been grapes and grape products. Therefore
it is his spousal duty to drink the very nice wine when I receive it; the least
he can do really.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over the years, I have also received engraved goblets, a tea
set and flowers all cherished. (Note to Tax Office: all duly declared at work
for pecuniary interests).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But lately I have received two rather lovely pieces of
original artwork done by people with intellectual disability. This delighted
me, firstly because of the thoughtfulness of the gift and secondly because the
work was original and attractive, the quality was very high and the
presentation was impressive. On each occasion, I was profoundly moved by the
gift. Worth more than money. I quickly turned over the work to see the name of
the artist, knowing I would not recognise who they were but wanting to see their
name and appreciate their art in any case.
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each time the label said the name of the group or disability
service where the artwork was done, not the name of the artist. I was very
disappointed. Each gift was for a speech on person-centred approaches. I asked
if I could find out the name of the artist and was told probably not. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did not want to insult or embarrass my hosts on either
occasion but found the contradiction very telling. These were forward- thinking
organisations that wanted me to challenge their thinking and staff in a
presentation that brought stories and new ways to conceive of people with
intellectual disability as experts in their own lives towards inclusion and
participation. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What happened here in the labelling of the original artwork
was the recognition of the service, not the celebration of the artists, as
would be customary outside the disability sphere, for regular artists in
ordinary life. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another occasion recently occurred in a deep conversation
with the CEO of a disability service organisation. This CEO is a person who genuinely wants to
move their organisation towards a truly person centred way of working, to
extend this to the skills of all staff.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The CEO was describing the meetings they have been holding
for people with intellectual disability and families in their services. Hats
off to the organisation for holding these seminars. The CEO was frustrated and anxious that the
people and families, after considerable explanation, did not yet grasp what
individualised approaches and person-centred planning was all about. In this candid exchange it became clear to
me that, with all good intentions, the CEO had been trying to onvey
individualised approaches and person-centred planning to people and families
from the perspective of the services and organisation. No wonder the people did
not understand. It is simply not
possible to explain individualised
approaches and person-centred planning from any viewpoint other than that of a
person with disability. That is the point. It is person centred, and it should
be explained as such. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During our discussion, the savvy CEO immediately saw the
contradiction and started to plan how to re-design the seminars from scratch to
involve people with intellectual disability in exploring person-centred
approaches. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nobody gets this stuff right all the time, we are all human.
There is, however, a fundamental shift going on that involves people with
disability, regardless of their support needs, being recognised for their
goals, preferences, talents, attributes, their personalities. Some people may
need communication support, assistance with decisions, time to process, someone
alongside them and so on. The biggest change is that the person with disability
is the primary consideration, at the centre, no longer merely ‘the end point of
service deliver system’ as I was once told many years ago. But this requires
very big thinking down to very little details, if we want to get it right.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a three hour presentation this year to people with
disability and families, I was confronted with a very hostile customer, the
father of an adult woman with intellectual disability with very high support
needs. This was part of a series of seminars
over several days in regional NSW to talk about individualised approaches and
person-centred planning and what is happening at national and state
levels. The seminar had about 60 people
attending. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This father sat in the front
row with his arms crossed and heckled me on several of my introductory points.
He was genuinely and desperately worried for his daughter, but his anxiety
overflowed on that day with me as a target.
When next he spoke I asked him about his daughter, what she would like,
and he dismissed me but then quietened. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before the meeting adjourned for morning tea, I told the
story of the course that my partner and I did last year on person-centred
planning. This was where I painfully learned that you DO NOT want your mother
(i.e. me!) to do your person-centred plan. I painfully learned how I needed to
find a way to give my daughter Erin her own voice, separate from me, so she can
design her own goals and preferences. This was such a good lesson for me as a
mother, painful and exciting, and we have enabled Erin to do this. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During morning tea, this desperate father came up to me and
asked me for a quiet word. I must admit,
experience has taught me to expect the worst, to smile and try to be gracious.
But this father had a tear in his eye. He told me that he had just realised
that he had always made the decisions for his daughter. He had never actually
asked his adult daughter what it was that she wanted. After this seminar, he was going straight
home to ask her what she wanted in life and begin to talk with her about
it. For them the story begins.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The little steps start the big journeys. Simply putting the
artist’s name on the canvas. Simply starting from the person’s viewpoint first.
Asking what someone wants in decisions that affect them. These are fundamental.
They are still new for many people with disability. Big thinking in little
ways. We need to be mindful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Christine Regan has been a Senior Policy Officer at Council of
Social Service NSW (NCOSS) since 1998. Since June 2011, she has convened the
NSW Disability Network Forum, a consultative and issues forum for
non-government non-industry peak disability representative, advocacy and information
organisations.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Christine also convenes the Assistive Technology Community
Alliance NSW working to improve the provision of equipment to people with
disability in NSW and is a member of the Ministerial Reference Group on Person Centred
Approaches as well as a number of community sector committees and collaborative
groups. In 2012, Christine completed a three-year term as a Board member of the
NSW Anti-Discrimination Board. When not at NCOSS, Christine is Vice Chair of
the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability as well as the Vice President and
NSW delegate on the National Council on Intellectual Disability. In the Nepean
area, Christine is Chairperson of Dare to Care, a local disability activist
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Christine is the proud mother of three adult children, a
daughter and two sons. Her daughter Erin is 36 years old, has Down syndrome and
lives at home with Christine and her partner.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829125047393060569.post-82054596965354393092014-03-07T10:15:00.000+11:002014-03-07T11:09:02.822+11:00Workshops to Prepare for Individualised Funding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We’re sure you will agree there is so much information going around at the moment about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). So how do you make sense of it all? One great way is to go along to one of the many free workshops that are being offered around the state.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These workshops guide you through the process of getting ready for the NDIS. You have the opportunity to talk to people that are already managing their own supports. They share their experience of what works and how you can also make things work for you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Below you will find a list of these workshops offered in the coming months by a couple of different organisations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>My Choice Matters - Get More Skills Workshops</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b><br />Inverell - Monday 17th March - 9:30am – 2:30pm<br />Narrabri - Tuesday 18th March - 9:30am – 2:30pm<br />Nyngan - Disability Info Share - Wednesday 19th – Friday 21st - time - 9am to 3pm daily. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.adnnsw.org.au/nyngan-info-share/">http://www.adnnsw.org.au/nyngan-info-share/</a><br />Condobolin - Saturday 22nd – Get More Skills - time TBC<br />Eastlakes - Friday 28th – Get More Skills - 9:30am - 2:30pm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Run Projects</b> is an initiative of My Choice Matters, and is a way for you to apply for funding (up to $5,000) to co-run a project with My Choice Matters. Run Projects is hoping to achieve:</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Support you to develop more skills so you can exercise more choice, voice<br />and control in your life</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Create opportunities for you to experiment and trial new ways of doing things,<br />create new knowledge and ways of being in control; and</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Share your learning with others<br /> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Choice Matters will run 4 application rounds for Run Projects. You should plan to complete your project during the project dates allocated to the round in<br />which you applied.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Round 1 - Application Deadline: 7 Apr 2014 - Project Dates: 1 May 2014 – 31<br />Oct 2014</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Round 2 - Application Deadline: TBA - Project Dates: 1 July 2014 – 31 Dec<br />2014.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />To register or find out further information on any of the above you can visit: <a href="http://www.mychoicematters.org.au/">www.mychoicematters.org.au</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />The <b>Physical Disability Council of NSW</b> (PDCN) are running a number of workshops called “Getting Ready”. This a free workshop run over 2 days (3 hours each day) for people with physical disability.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />The focus of the workshop is gaining more control over your life by identifying what is important to you, set goals and make a plan to achieve goals.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blacktown - 10-11 March 2014<br />Nyngan - 19,20,21 March 2014<br />Wagga Wagga - 24-25 March 2014<br />Bega - 28-29 April 2014<br />Webinar (via the internet)<br />Offered to all of State - 14-15 April 2014<br />Armidale - 18-19 August 2014<br />Berry - 23-24 June 2014<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To register for a free workshop or to find out more information please contact:<br /><a href="mailto:admin@pdcnsw.org.au">admin@pdcnsw.org.au</a> or call (02) 9552 1606</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To find out more visit: <a href="http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/" target="_blank">http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/ </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Resourcing Families</b> are also running some workshops in the coming months:<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Making the Most of Self Management</b><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">West Ryde - Thursday 3 April 2014<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Keys to Developing Meaningful Lives</b><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Orange - Wednesday 26 March<br />Lismore - Wednesday 9 April<br />Sydney - Wednesday 30 April<br />Nowra - Wednesday 7 May<br />Wagga Wagga - Wednesday 28 May<br />Armidale - Wednesday 18 June<br />Broken Hill - Wednesday 16 July</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />To find out more on the above workshops and to to register visit: <a href="http://www.resourcingfamilies.org.au/events">www.resourcingfamilies.org.au/events</a></span></span></div>
IDEAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171912146004511876noreply@blogger.com0