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i:D Bulletin of the Disability Council of NSW
Welcome to the September edition of i:D, the electronic bulletin of the Disability Council of NSW – the State’s official advisory body on disability. We produce this newsletter once a month so that we can keep you informed of our activities and the Council’s areas of interest.
Please feel free to circulate this newsletter to anyone you believe may be interested in receiving it. If you decide that you would rather not receive it please send an email to us with the words UNSUBSCRIBE BULLETIN in the subject line. We hope, of course, you’ll be happy to read our newsletter and give us feedback.
If you have any topic you wish to raise with the Disability Council of NSW please contact us by email.
Dougie Herd
Executive Officer, Office of the Disability Council of NSW
1. Chair's Introduction by Andrew Buchanan
It
has been a busy and productive month for all of us at the Disability
Council of NSW. Among other functions, it has been my privilege to
speak on the challenges we still face to bring about the full social
inclusion of people with disability at important events in NSW such
as the State HACC Conference at Darling Harbour and the CSTT Therapy
Conference dinner at Homebush.
The Acting CEO of the newly-created NSW Trustee and Guardian, Ms Imelda Dodds, attended our Council’s August meeting to discuss the emerging issues of that new agency. A few days later our own Executive Officer followed Imelda to give some background briefing at a session in the State Parliament to members of the Upper House Social Affairs Committee on matters relating to the current inquiry in to substitute decision-making.
Alongside our staff team members Amelia Starr and Dougie Herd, I met with the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities to discuss our shared commitment to improving the supply of accessible housing for people with disability through application of universal design principles. We hope to have news of an exciting initiative in this vital policy area in the coming months.
I’ve met with the Director-General of DADHC to discuss ways in which we can enhance the role of the Disability Council as a catalyst for working in partnerships that involve government and non-government stakeholders in promoting the participation of people with disability as valued members of the community. I’ve worked alongside our colleagues in National Disability Services to assist them in the essential task of developing a deeper and broader understanding in the wider community of the essential role that professional workers in community care organisation can and do play to support people with disability and their families. And I recently chaired a meeting of the Reference Group of the Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign, which assists DADHC to consider, plan and prepare for the outstanding celebration each year in NSW of the United Nations International Day of People With Disability on the 3rd December.
It’s my guess that most readers of this bulletin will have been just as busy as I have been. Working in the ‘disability sector’ it’s simply a fact of life that busy people is what we are. It might be as advocates or ‘carers’ or employees of non-government service providers or public servants working in one of the many departments or agencies whose work touches the lives of people with disability in some way. We are all busy.
But this also is true. The people I’ve met in the last month or so (and before that too) impress me with their dedication, commitment and straightforward hard work to assist people with disability to realise their dreams and aspirations; to make real in their daily lives the rights we know they have in law, through documents such as the UN Convention or in the policies developed over years.
I acknowledge, as you do I am sure, that there is much work still to be done. We’ve not yet eradicated all the barriers to participation. But there is forward movement all around us. The busy people I meet are busy making change matter. I hope and believe that our Disability Council will continue to contribute positively to that agenda for change. That is, after all, what the Act of Parliament that created the Council more than 20 years ago requires us to do.
Regards
Andrew Buchanan
Chair
Disability Council of NSW
2. Disability Parking Scheme Consultation
The Disability Council of NSW has contributed its views to the national consultation on reform of parking rights and concessions for people with disability. Our submission is available on our website at:
3. Upper House Inquiry into Substitute Decision-Making
This Inquiry was established on 30 June 2009 to inquire into and report on the provisions for substitute decision-making for people lacking capacity in New South Wales, and in particular whether any NSW legislation requires amendment to make better provision for the management of estates of people incapable of managing their affairs; and the guardianship of people who have disabilities. The terms of reference for the inquiry were referred by the Attorney General, the Hon John Hatzistergos MLC.
Submissions are being received until Friday, 18th September.
For more information, including the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry and advice on preparing a submission, visit the Inquiry web site at:
4. Inquiry into the Migration Treatment of Disability
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten, have asked the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Migration to undertake an inquiry relating to the health requirement in the Migration Act.
The Committee will investigate the assessment of the health and community costs associated with a disability as part of visa processing in Australia.
The Disability Council of NSW has previously stated its belief that the migration policy should not continue to be exempt from the Disability Discrimination Act. We believe that current arrangements can and do discriminate unreasonably against people with disability. We see no justification for such discrimination and our advice to Government inquiries in the past is that it should be eradicated.
The Committee is now calling for submissions from interested individuals and organisations. The terms of reference for the inquiry and information about making a submission are available via this link;
5. Australia to sign UN Convention's Optional Protocol
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, recently announced that Australia will accede to the Optional Protocol on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Protocol provides a mechanism for Australians to make complaints to the United Nations Disabilities Committee in the event that all domestic remedies have been exhausted.
“This demonstrates the Government’s real commitment to people with a disability as well as demonstrating our serious commitment to leadership in this area at an international level,” Mr McClelland said.
This action follows the Rudd Government’s ratification of the Convention in July 2008 making it one of the first Western countries to do so.
In addition, the Attorney-General recently declared the Convention under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 to enable the Australian Human Rights Commission to conciliate complaints based on breaches of the Convention.
“Accession to the Protocol demonstrates Australia’s commitment to recognising both the rights and capacity of people with disabilities,” Mr Shorten said.
Australia joins more than 40 other nations around the world who have acceded to or ratified the Optional Protocol.
6.2,000 Companion Cards issued in NSW
DADHC Media Release
Date - 28th August 2009
Minister for Disability Services, Paul Lynch said more than 2,000 Companion Cards have now been issued in NSW since the special card was launched at the end of March.
The Companion Card allows people with a profound or severe disability to take their carers on public transport and to events for free. Mr Lynch said Yvonne Grady, of Manly, had been issued with the 2000th Companion Card. Ms Grady, who has cerebral palsy and works for The Spastic Centre, requires assistance with her mobility.
Mr Lynch said the card recognised that a carer was vital for people with a profound or severe disability and provided equal access to services and facilities. “Previously, people who required carer support sometimes had to pay twice to access public transport or attend movies and other events,” he said.
“The Companion Card now makes it easier for people in New South Wales to meet people and take advantage of services and events,” Mr Lynch said. He said about 25,000 people could be eligible for the card because eligibility was based on the physical needs of the person with a disability and was not means-tested. “The NSW Government will provide the Card to eligible people who always or usually require the assistance of a carer,” Mr Lynch said.
About 450 businesses have signed up to offer benefits for Companion Card holders. The card is also recognised by NSW Government-operated services and facilities like public transport and the Sydney Opera House. Businesses involved in the program include Sydney Aquarium, Hoyts, Greater Union, Dendy and Reading.
The Newcastle Knights have led the way as the first NRL team to support the program with a number of other teams expressing their interest. “Of course we’d like to see more businesses sign up,” Mr Lynch said.
The Card is managed by National Disability Services (NDS), the peak body for disability services. NDS State Manager Patrick Maher said the organisation was delighted to be operating an important program that would have a real impact on people’s lives. “A program such as this, aimed at improving social inclusiveness and access, is only possible when everyone understands the issues facing people with a disability,” Mr Maher said. “These people shouldn’t have to pay for the extra transport and entrance fees,” he said.
“The Companion Card is opening up a whole new world for many people with a disability who require a carer to travel to events or venues,” Mr Maher said. “Card-holders are able to expand their enjoyment of life by going to the theatre or cinema, or attend exhibitions and events where admission fees are charged and won’t have to worry about the added cost for the person assisting them,” he said.
Eligible people should contact the Companion Card information line on 1800 893 044 to obtain an application form.
7. NSW Government planning for ageing population
DADHC Media Release
Date - 26th August 2009
The NSW Government is planning ahead for a rapidly ageing population through increased funding for services, new dementia day care centres and a strategy to guide policies through to 2030.
Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Paul Lynch recently told the NSW Home and Community Care (HACC) conference in Sydney that demographic change posed challenges to service delivery.
But Mr Lynch said the Home and Community Care (HACC) program – which provides a range of support and maintenance services for frail older people and people with a disability – was providing more resources throughout New South Wales.
The NSW HACC Budget for this financial year is $587 million – an increase of $40.5 million or 7.4 percent on last year.
Mr Lynch said dementia day care centres would also be built throughout the State, providing services for people with dementia and respite for their carers.
The Government’s Towards 2030 strategy is also focusing on early intervention, illness and disability prevention, community care and improved health care.
It is estimated that by 2051, more than 2.4 million people – or about 25 percent of the State’s population – will be aged 65 years or more. “That’s nearly double the rate of just under 14 percent in 2006,” Mr Lynch said.
8. New Online Resource to address 'Stark Health Inequalities'
On
11 August 2009, the NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir AC, launched
a new online health fact sheet resource for people with intellectual
disabilities, their families and advocates, disability workers and
other professionals.
The online fact sheet resource has been developed by the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID), with assistance from the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC).
The recently released final report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission recognised the ‘stark health and access inequalities for more than 300,000 people living with an intellectual disability.’
People with intellectual disabilities have very high rates of health problems and these problems are often not diagnosed or appropriately treated. Life expectancy is reduced by up to 20 years.
There are many causes of this situation, ranging across communication barriers between patients and health professionals, complexity of diagnosis, lack of general and specialised skills in the health workforce, and health promotion campaigns and research not focusing on people with intellectual disabilities.
The new online resource contains over 30 health fact sheets specifically designed to help improve health outcomes experienced by people with intellectual disability.
Spokesperson for NSW CID, and editor of the online fact sheets, Jim Simpson said: “These fact sheets address one of the barriers to equitable health care for people with intellectual disability – the lack of clear information about how people with intellectual disability can stay healthy and negotiate a health system which is not well attuned to their needs.”
Alix Goodwin, Executive Director, DADHC, Jim Simpson, Senior Advocate/Lawyer NSW CID,
Christine Regan, Vice Chairperson, NSW CID, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO,
Governor of NSW, Robert Strike Chairperson, NSW CID, Michael Bartels Vice Chairperson, NSW CID
The new online resource can be viewed at www.nswcid.org.au
9. People and Places
Every month in i.D we like to pass on news about the people and organisations that make up the disability sector in NSW and beyond. If you have snippets of news about people joining, moving within or leaving your agency pass it on to us and we’ll share it with broader community. Indeed, if you’ve any news about your agency that people might like to read about, send it to us. We’ll try to find space to put it in but please … keep it brief.
Contact us at: Kristine.Schneider@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
Upcoming Events
- InterACT Three day Holiday Workshop on Screen Presence 5th
to 7th Oct 2009
An intensive introduction to camera acting techniques that no budding film star can miss. At the end of the workshop you’ll walk away with a tape of your work and a better understanding of how to act for the camera. This workshop is open to 15-18 year olds of mixed abilities. Great for young people living with a disability and their friends/and or siblings.
For further info, visit the accessible arts NSW website: www.aarts.net.au
- 2nd October 2009, Keep Them Safe: NDS Policy and Practice
Forum
National Disability Services NSW invites organisations working with children and young people with disability to an interactive policy and practice forum to discuss the impact of Keep Them Safe.
Keep Them Safe is the NSW Government’s reform strategy in response to the Wood Report on child protection systems in NSW. NDS encourages all levels of staff within organisations to attend.
For more info, visit the NDS website: www.nds.org.au
Other news
- National Disability Insurance Scheme
A new website has been launched to promote a campaign calling for the introduction of a national disability insurance scheme.
Visit the NDIS website at: www.ndis.org.au
- Correction
In August’s People and Places, we touched on the merger of the Office of the Protective Commissioner and Public Trustee. The merger does not involve substantial change to the roles and responsibilities formerly exercised by the Protective Commissioner or Public Trustee. However, these roles will be merged into one position known as the Chief Executive Officer NSW Trustee and Guardian. Imelda Dodds has been appointed as the Acting CEO NSW Trustee and Guardian.
10. About the Disability Council of NSW
The Disability Council of NSW is the official advisory body to the State Government on disability matters. We also provide advice to the Commonwealth on the effect of national policy at a State level.
We seek to provide best quality advice to Government and promote a positive vision of the future for all people with disability.
For us that means working with others to achieve a socially just community in which Government policy and practice reflect the lives and experiences of people with disability as individuals, family members and participants with many roles in a broad range of diverse settings. At all times we strive to remain mindful of the rights of people with disability, respecting their choices, celebrating their diversity and valuing their contributions.
Our role is clearly set out by an Act of Parliament, The Community Welfare Act of 1987. We have three duties as a result of that Act. They are:
- To advise Government on disability matters;
- To raise community awareness about people with disability and their aspirations; and
- To promote participation by people with disability.
We are committed to building and sustaining partnerships across sectors around a shared purpose. It is our hope that you will feel encouraged by our goals and will want to work with us as we organise to achieve them.
Contact Details of the Disability Council of NSW
Disability Council of NSW
L19, 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Tel/TTY: (02) 9211-2866
Fax: (02) 9211-2271
Tollfree (Voice/TTY) 1800 044 848
Email:
disabilitycouncil@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.disabilitycouncil.nsw.gov.au
11. Your Privacy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and commit ourselves to conforming to the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill 2000, which came into effect in December 2001 and the National Privacy Principles issued by the Australian Privacy Commissioner.
This electronic bulletin is distributed by email. You have provided us with an email address. This email address will be used only for the purpose for which you have provided it. You can have your email address removed from the list for this bulletin at any time by sending an email to the Disability Council of NSW.
This Bulletin may contain links to external websites. The Disability Council of NSW cannot be held responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.
SOURCES
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
- www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/media_releases.htmParliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten MP, Australia Accedes to the Disability Conventions Optional Protocol, 30 July 2009
- www.billshorten.com.au/press/National Disability Services (NDS)
- www.nds.org.auNSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSWCID) Media Release – New online resource to address ‘stark health inequalities’ - released 10 August 2009
- www.nswcid.org.auNational Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- www.ndis.org.auAccessible Arts NSW
- www.aarts.net.au
