MyLink - Port Stephens Community Information Hub

The Department of Social Services wants to continue to ensure that people with disability are aware of the supports available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We would like to encourage disability organisations to share information with their networks about the Disability Information Helpline (1800 643 787). The Disability Information Helpline provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of COVID-19. The Helpline is available from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEDT) by calling 1800 643 787 and can refer people to advocacy, counselling, and other supports they may need. More information about the Helpline, as well as a range of accessible COVID-19 resources, is available at www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.

The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) and the National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program marked International Day of People with Disability, on the 3rd of December, by launching a new eLearning program, Orientation for External Support Workers in Tertiary Settings.

Disability Practitioners and Educators of Universities and TAFEs from across Australia identified that support workers not employed directly by the tertiary organisation often do not have the appropriate knowledge to maintain student independence and understand the culture, nuances and requirements of tertiary life, or have sufficient awareness of relevant communication channels and protocols, and referrals points to on campus specialist services.

This free eLearning program (including a screen reader version) is ideal for externally employed support workers, support agencies and tertiary providers, to develop relevant skills and knowledge to understand the most effective ways to support students with disability in tertiary education and training settings.

The eLearning has been informed by students with disability, external support workers and disability support agencies and overseen by a national Project Advisory Group of representatives from the University and VET sectors, the NDCO Program, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The development of this eLearning Program was funded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in partnership with the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training.

The Orientation for External Support Workers in Tertiary Settings e-Learning Program can be accessed online: https://disabilityawareness.com.au/elearning/external-support-workers/

Minutes of the December meeting have been added to the library here

Click here to read the latest City of Newcastle Community Sector E-newsletter.

https://www.dvalert.org.au/

Coming January 2021

https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/aosfc/caringthroughcrisis (Workshop Registration)

http://admin.carersnsw.org.au/Assets/Files/2010CN%20Caring%20through%20Covid%20handbook_Final.pdf (Handbook)

https://uonewcastle.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_REkQd2FcTp6PAExcFsOi-A

ArtScreen 2021 Launch + ArtScreen 2020 Premiere

• Wed 2 Dec, 10:30am – 11am
• Zoom (link sent following registration
• Register: https://aarts.net.au/news/artscreen-2021-launch/

The world premiere of a new video artwork from NSW artist Debra Keenahan is set to feature during the online launch of ArtScreen 2021, a video art initiative for artists with disability developed by Accessible Arts with the support of various government, industry and community partners. Titled Little Things Matter, Debra’s artwork is a provocative social critique of the dehumanisation of people with dwarfism and was created through this year’s edition of ArtScreen with funding from the City of Sydney. In addition to showcasing Debra’s artwork, the online launch will include an overview of next year’s initiative, reveal the ArtScreen 2021 mentors and provide details of how to access production funding. Next year’s ArtScreen projects are set to have a world premiere season at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience Debra’s work and find out more about creating new video artworks.

2020 Inclusive Film Festival

• Fri 4 Dec, 6pm – 10:30pm
• Petersham Town Hall (live event) + Fan Force (live stream)
• Register: https://aarts.net.au/news/2020-inclusive-film-festival-spotlights-talent-of-artists-with-disability/

Get set to enjoy a totally FREE and fabulous program of disability-focused screen and stage entertainment at this year’s Inner West Inclusive Film Festival. IFF2020 will be COVID-safe, fully accessible and also live streamed via Fan Force. The program features a screening of award-winning US film The Peanut Butter Falcon along with live acts by performers with disability plus a panel discussion about the intersection of art and disability activism. There’ll be FREE snack packs, popcorn, chocolates and soft drinks. Or guests can bring their own drinks and snacks and have an indoor picnic in the hall. There’ll be audio description, Auslan interpreters, closed captions, accessible seating, hearing loops and a quiet zone. Assistance animals will also be welcome. Whether you attend in person or experience it online, don’t miss this great night in or out!

IDPWD provides a valuable opportunity every year to acknowledge, honour and celebrate people with disability and the vital contributions they make to arts and culture here in NSW as well as across Australia and throughout the world.

We hope you and your family, friends and colleagues will be able to join us.