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In this issue...




 

Image of Keran HoweIntroduction from Executive Director Keran Howe




It has been another busy few weeks here at Women with Disabilities Victoria.

We're in the final stages of planning for the launch of our research paper Voices Against Violence. This invitation only event will be held on May 15th with a keynote presentation by Natasha Stott Despoja.

Our Gender and Disability Workforce Development Program has been conducting interviews for women with disabilities and professional trainers to undertake the train the trainer program and ultimately to co-facilitate the Program for disability workers. This program aims to increase awareness of how to deliver gender equitable and sensitive service delivery and organisational culture as a strategy for violence prevention and improving women’s well-being and status.

As an organisation we've been working with Jane Fenton to review our strategic plan, including a focus on our communications strategy.          

eNews Survey


We're currently reviewing our communications strategy and would welcome your input.

We've created a short survey that should only take a few minutes to complete.

All respondents will go in the draw to win a 60 minute one on one digital media training session.


Please click here to take the survey!

Get involved, become a member!


“I'm on this path but I've been a bit lost. I felt like I was a solo singer but now I feel like I've got a choir.”  WDV member

What does it mean to become a member of WDV?

Members can contribute to Women with Disabilities Victoria in the following ways:
  • Become involved in one of our leadership programs designed to promote sharing leadership skills.
  • Sharing information with other women through our e-newsletter and email bulletins.
  • Representing women with disabilities on Boards, Committees and forums. These opportunities are circulated to members who have an interest in a particular field.
  • Contributing to government submissions, representations to government and organisations and presentation of conference papers.

There are two types of membership:

Full membership is available to women with disabilities in Victoria. Full membership is free.

Associate membership is open to individuals and/or organisations supportive of the aims of Women with Disabilities Victoria and enables exchange of knowledge, and participation with Women with Disabilities Victoria and its members. Associate membership is $20 for individuals and $50 for organisations (this includes GST).
 
For more information about membership, visit our website or email wdv@wdv.org.au

Violence


Heckleback! - an evening of comedy against street harassment.


Image of a microphone in the middle of a road, shadow images of a woman and a car - text reads Heckleback an evening of comedy to help end street harasssmentDuring international anti street harassment week, the team from Hollaback! Melbourne are rounding up some of the best comedians to perform in solidarity and to create an inclusive, safe and welcoming event for the diverse community of Melbourne.
 
Hollaback! Melbourne is the local chapter of a global movement working to end street harassment.

Performers include: Adrienne Truscott; Wrongtown; Stella Young; Clem Bastow; Lisa Skye; Isabel & Rachel and more to be announced.

MC extraordinaire Ms Karen Pickering will be hosting the evening.

When: Thursday April 3rd
Time: From 7:00pm (for a 7:30pm start)
Where: Hares and Hyenas
All tickets $10
Ticketshttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/heckleback-an-evening-of-comedy-against-street-harassment-tickets-11066531293

 

Stalking Seminar 


WIRE is running a FREE seminar on Thursday April 10 

In this free WIRE seminar, Associate Professor Rosemary Purcell will: 
  • ​Help you identify different types of stalkers
  • Discuss the impact of stalking on victims
  • Cover how to respond to stalking situations, including staying safe, bringing stalking to an end, and using legal approaches to manage stalking.

Assoc. Prof. Purcell is a forensic psychologist at the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne University. 

When: Thursday 10th April
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Venue: WIRE 372 Spencer St, West Melbourne
Book your free place: www.trybooking.com/ENLA
For more information, view the 
flyer 
For details or queries, call 9348 4916 (#2) or email inforequests@wire.org.au

Health and Access to Health Services


Chronic Health & Illness Groups Self Help and Peer Support Forum: 'Closing the Gaps'


This Forum is for those who experience issues related to Chronic Health/Illness, carers, workers from the sector and all those who have an interest in the way Self Help and Peer Support Groups contribute to their members and communities.
 
The forum is a FREE event with a preference for attendance on both days to make the most of the inter-active and inclusive program format.
 
Topics include:
    Managing your condition
    Identifying issues
    Exploring solutions
    Sharing experiences & learning from others
 
Registration also offers the opportunity for participation sharing between group members and/or co-workers by choosing Day 1 or Day 2 options.
 
Website for program: www.coshg.org.au
Date: Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 April 2014
Venue: Ross House, Hayden Raysmith Room, Lvl 4, 247-251 Flinders Lane Melbourne
                                               
To register online: https://coshgforum2014chronichealthillness.eventbrite.com.au
                                               
For a printed registration form or for enquiries:
Phone: (03) 9650 2005 or email: info@coshg.org.au

NDIS 


PWDA Media Release: Deliver NDIS on Time and get it Right


The national peak cross-disability body People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has urged the Australian Government to deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on time while investing the effort needed to get it right.

This follows the release of the capability review by the National Disability Insurance Agency.
The Review found that the agency had made a herculean effort to get the scheme running in short time-frames but that the time-frames had created capability challenges within the agency. Government has said it is seeking advice on the timetable for the Scheme.

PWDA President Craig Wallace said, "The review of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has been likened to 'a plane that took off before it had been fully built and is being completed while in the air."

"The NDIS isn't a plane taking off, it's a progressive rollout."

To read more visit the PWDA website  

Human Rights 


Call Out for Examples of Programs and Services that Assist People with Disability in the Criminal Justice System
 

The Australian Human Rights Commission is developing a national database of programs and services that assist people with disability in the criminal justice system.
They are seeking your input about existing services and programs that help people with disability to participate in the criminal justice system. We are looking for examples of the following types of services and programs:
  • Early intervention programs
  • Programs and services which aim to prevent violence against people with disability
  • Services and supports in police stations, courts and in custodial settings
  • Diversionary measures
  • Disability training programs for police, judges and correctional officers
  • Policies and frameworks in the criminal justice system which aim to improve access to justice for people with disability
Your information will help them to expand upon the list of services and programs which can be found in Appendix A of the Commission’s report: Equal before the law: Towards disability justice strategies.

Submit information
Download "Equal Before the Law" (PDF)


Nominations for Disability Reference Group now open!



The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is calling for expressions of interest for people to join our Disability Reference Group (DRG) for 2014 – 2016.
The DRG is the key advisory mechanism for the Commission to identify priority human rights and discrimination issues relating to people with disabilities. The DRG provides:
  • advice and assistance on the development of policies and procedures for delivery of appropriate and effective services
  • guidance on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act, and
  • a user perspective on the ongoing implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.
For further information about the role of the DRG, how it works, who should be involved and how to apply please visit: humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2014.

 

Employment and Training 

Disability Media Australia Training 

12 MONTHS FROM INTRO TO EXPERT: 
MEDIA PRODUCTION

Get behind-the scenes training in television and radio production, as well as performance for camera. This is your chance to have an effective outlet for advocacy and shape our media landscape, by having your voice heard in your community.
 
This course is for adults with a disability, commencing July 2014, one day a week, for 46 weeks (over 12 months) at a cost of $100 per week. 

Contact: Disability Media Australia office on (03) 9663 7158 or admin@disabilitymedia.org.au


Family Violence Case Manager


Zena Women’s Services provides a specialist service to women and their children who are experiencing family violence.
They have a part time position available for a Family Violence Case Manager to work in their Outreach team and in partnership with Time for Youth to support families in our adolescent violence program.
The role requires a good understanding of the issues faced by women and children escaping domestic violence and experience working with families.

The position is part time 30 hours per week
Initial contract period 6 months with extension dependent on funding.
Women only need apply. EEO Exemption No H90/2013  

For more information please email antonia@zena.org.au or call 5224 2903

Indigenous and CALD women are strongly encouraged to apply
Applications close 9:00am 31st March 2014

 

Advocacy, Leadership and Representation


Stella Young in Tales from the Crip Image of Stella Young wearing bright red polka dotted shoes and looking sassy.



A Melbourne International Comedy Festival event proudly presented by Darebin Arts’ SpeakEasy...




Stella Young is a cripple. Some people call her 'special needs' but she learned from a young age that 'special' is a code word for 'crap'. And oh Lord, please don't call her 'handy-capable' or she may accidentally run over your big toe.


In her much anticipated debut show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival Stella, editor of ABC'sRamp Up and as seen on Q&A and elsewhere, will dig deep into life on four wheels.

She promises not to 'inspire' you.

"[A] stand out performance from straight talking Stella Young...a great comic." Herald Sun (review of Political Asylum)

When: 26th March - 20th April Wed & Fri 7pm, Sun 6pm

Buy tickets now!


*** Auslan interpreter Wed 9 & Sat 11 April shows ***


Onwards and Upwards Crowd Funding Campaign


Image of Eva Sifis, photograph by Paul DunnEva Sifis currently has a crowd funding campaign to support the creative development of her one woman show and professional speaker portfolio.

Eva was recently the MC for Real Women, our International Women’s Day event.

Eva has journeyed through head injury, recovery and then cancer. She stands on the other side ready to share with others her story, strategies and tools for coping. She has lived an eventful life marked by extreme challenge. Eva offers her experiences as an artist/advocate/survivor to share the lessons she has learnt.
 
For more information about Eva’s crowd funding campaign, please visit her  Indie GoGo page
.

 

Accessibility and Social Inclusion


Auslan Interpreted shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival


Once again the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is committed to making a number of its shows accessible to patrons who use AUSLAN.
The Festival will have a number of shows and events interpreted by AUSLAN interpreters.

How to book:
Select a show from the list below. You can check out their page on our website by clicking the link.
Once you have chosen a show, contact the relevant ticketing provider to make sure you book a seat with the best view of the interpreter.
Please come back and check this site, as more interpreted shows will be added!
If you have any queries that the ticketing provider cannot answer, please contact our Venues Manager, Brian Robertson at brian@comedyfestival.com.au

 
Show Date & Time Venue

Bart Freebairn 'Double Happiness'

Bart Freebairn is a really great comedian who will make you laugh with big fat silly jokes full of fancy ideas and ridiculous imagery. 

 
1st and 9th Apr, 8pm Imperial Hotel
The Listies 6D (Twice as Good as 3D)

After a total sell-out season in 2013, Australia's funniest kids comics are back with their show all about the movies.

 
Apr 12, 1:30pm Northcote Town Hall
Wheelchair logo

Improvilicious

Romeo & Juliet in the style of Beauty & the GeekWaiting for Godot by the Kardashians? Improvilicious is the interactive comedy for tweens and teenagers that makes theatre ridiculously awesome.

 
Apr 8, 3.30pm Melb Town Hall - Powder Room
 
Wheelchair logo

Danny Stinson's Don't "mind" Me

Join Danny for a rolling hour of stand-up comedy and storytelling as he takes you into a world in which everything is filtered through his comedic mind to distil a show that’s big on laughs with a pleasant after-taste.

 
Wed 2 Apr, 9pm The Provincial Hotel
     

Zoe McDonald FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out

One woman, ten characters and a radio studio, Zoe McDonald has the FOMO, aka the fear of missing out! 

 
Fri 4 Apr, 9.30pm Northcote Town Hall
 
Wheelchair logo

Nelly Thomas

Political, but rarely correct, Nelly Thomas tells it like it is. Not to be missed.

 
Sat 5th Apr, 7pm Northcote Town Hall
Wheelchair logo

Tommy Little Middleclass Gangster

Riding high and itching to get back on stage – this will be 2014’s hottest ticket.

 
Wed 9 Apr, 7pm Victoria Hotel - Banquet Room
Wheelchair logo
Stella Young Tales from the Crip

In her much anticipated debut show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival Stella will dig deep into life on four wheels.

 
Wed 9th and Fri 11th Apr, 7pm Northcote Town Hall
Wheelchair logo

Lana Schwarcz Love Monster

At 40, Lana still can't hold a relationship. Is it her? Surely not. Perhaps it's the Love Monster that lives inside her who can't help destroying everything...

 
Sat 12 April, 4pm Imperial Hotel

Monica Dullard

If you think there's nothing funny about libraries, well this show will completely change your mind!

 
Sat 12 April, 6.30pm The Clyde Hotel
Wheelchair logo
 

 

Caption Quality: International approaches to standards and measurement.


Media Access Australia recently released a white paper entitled Caption Quality: International approaches to standards and measurement.

It focuses on issues surrounding the live captioning of TV programs, the difficulties in measuring caption quality effectively, and some of the solutions that have been proposed. 

The white paper, which is the first in a planned series, was written by their Project manager for television, Chris Mikul.

“Over the last decade or so, there has been a significant increase in captioning levels in Australia and other countries,” said Mikul. “And that means there are a lot more programs being captioned live than there used to be. Inevitably, you don’t you don’t get the same quality with live captions that you do with captions that are pre-prepared and precisely timed. The challenge with live captioning is to produce the best captions possible under difficult circumstances.” 
The paper compares and contrasts the captioning standards that communications regulators have adopted in Australia, the UK, Canada, France and Spain. It also looks at the methods used for captioning news and current affairs programs and how they have evolved over the years.

For more information, and to download a copy of the whitepaper, visit the Media Access Australia Website

Awards, Funding and Grants 


New Funding Opportunity for Emerging Young Leaders


Grants are now open for emerging young leaders in the disability sector to attend the 7th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York from 10 – 12 June 2014. This is a unique professional opportunity and young delegates will be provided with training and mentoring to build their capacity to participate at the UN. These grants will provide an important opportunity for the next generation of young disability rights advocates to represent the Australian disability sector at the UN.

About the program:

1. Begins with a training workshop in Sydney on 22 May 2014. The workshop topics include: 
* What is the COSP? What is the role of civil society at the COSP? 
* What will I do at the COSP? 
* What will I need to prepare for the COSP?

2. The delegates will fly to New York where they will network with some of the key players in the international disability movement, learn about strategic advocacy and its application to domestic advocacy and visit important UN organisations.

3. Go on to attend the civil society forum (date TBC) and the Conference of States Parties from 10 – 12 June 2014 at the UN.

4. When the delegates come back there will be a post-event debrief in late June to help incorporate learnings into disability advocacy at the national level.

The theme of the COSP will be advised as soon as it becomes available.

Who are they looking for?

Young emerging leaders in the disability sector. Preferably, the young applicant will be between 18 – 30 years of age. DPOs and DAOs are strongly encouraged to nominate young persons with a disability.

How much funding is provided?

The Commission will provide grants for the young delegates to attend the training workshop, the COSP and the post-event debrief. Applicants are required to submit a budget including a breakdown of costs such as food, accommodation and flights.

Successful delegates are encouraged to raise some funds from sponsorship.

More information about grants can be found via their website. 

Just for Fun!

 
Meriah Nichols "The biggest problem facing young people with down syndrome today"

Meriah aslo has a fantastic travel blog about her experiences as a woman with a disability: http://www.withalittlemoxie.com/

Women Activists are the Bravest and Most Visible Right Now

How Back-to-Back Challenges the way we see Actors with a Disabilty


Human Rights Arts and Film Festival have launched their program

 
The purpose of this e-News is to inform our members, staff and associates about opportunities to advance Women with Disabilities Victoria’s goals. Women with Disabilities Victoria works to address priority issues for women with disabilities in Victoria. These issues include violence; access to health services; reproductive rights and parenting, and; access to employment. We welcome and encourage your feedback and contributions to simone.flanagan@wdv.org.au.
 
Copyright © 2014 Women with Disabilities Victoria, All rights reserved.


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