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Date: Wednesday 08 February 2012
VALID is pleased to announce that the conference program is now available on the Having a Say website. It is a full & exciting program of presentations & performances by self-advocates, along with workshops & Information Sessions. As usual, the social & Come & Try activities are also featured. The Advocacy Stream for delegates, families & workers will feature sessions on the Auditor-Generals report into individual funding, NDIS & Individual Support Packages (ISP's). To view the program and find out about other associated events such as the art competition and the Dinner Disco, visit: http://www.valid.org.au/conference/default.htm For more information, contact VALID on 03 9416 4003 or freecall, 1800 655 570 or email havingasay@valid.org.au
Website: Having a Say Conference: My Life, My Way 8-10 February
Date: Wednesday 08 February 2012
Date: 10am Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th February. Location: Oxley Bowling Club – 158-168 Piper Street, Tamworth. Come Try a Sport a Month is an opportunity for people with a disability to try a new sport in a welcoming and fun environment at a minimal cost. In February Line Dancing will be on trial. Line dancing is a fun form of dancing, usually associated with country music, where all participants follow the same steps to a dance in a line. After the trial month if the participant would like to get involved in the sport regularly NSW Sport and Recreation will help integrate them into a local body. This is a great opportunity to trial a new sport and get physically active. Comments: Cost per person: $5 for entire program. Bookings: Limited to 15 – so get in quick! Enrolments close 1/2/12. To book contact Sam Eriksson at Department of Sport and Recreation on (02) 6766 1200 or email: samuel.eriksson@communities.nsw.gov.au Notes: If participant usually has a carer they must attend as well. Carers are not provided.
Date: Monday 13 February 2012
We are in a time of unprecedented and transformative change. The significant shift towards more person centred ways of service delivery is just the start of a whole system overhaul that will enable people with disability to exercise greater choice and voice in the services and supports they need to live their lives. Against the back-drop of a future National Disability Insurance Scheme and the current shift towards individualised, portable and self-directed funding arrangements, a new vision and role for disability service providers is emerging. Hilton Hotel, Sydney, NSW Conference http://www.nds.org.au/events/1317882370 Registrations are due to open early December.
Website: NDS NSW 2012 Annual State Conference - 13 to 14 Feb
Date: Friday 17 February 2012
February 17, 2012 @ UNSW The conference will be convened by PWD and the main topic will be centred around people with an intellectual disability and the criminal justice system. From Outlaws towards Inclusion A conference on 10 years of challenges and progress in rights and human services for people with intellectual disability in contact with the criminal justice system Guest Speakers include: • Greg Smith - Attorney General and Minister for Justice • Matt Frize and Natalie Marmone - ADHC Community Justice Program • John Basson - forensic psychiatrist • Professor Eileen Baldry – UNSW Plus representatives from IDRS, NSW CID, Corrective Services NSW and more. For all enquiries please contact IDRS. P: (02) 9318 0144 E: rego@idrs.org.au
Website: "From Outlaws towards Inclusion" Conference
Date: Monday 20 February 2012
This workshop gives parents and strategies for teenagers and adults who have an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It will include practical ideas to support them to have healthy relationships. Contact: Laura Hayden Phone: 02)68821099 Email: laura.hayden@northcott.com.au
Date: Monday 20 February 2012
20-21 February. This Conference is an outcome from an Australian Research Council Grant entitled Applying Human Rights Legislation In Closed Environments: A Strategic Framework for Managing Compliance (2008-2012). The project is being undertaken by four Chief Investigators (Professor Arie Freiberg, Dr Bronwyn Naylor, Dr Stuart Thomas and Dr Julie Debeljak), a Partner Investigator (Dr Inez Dussuyer), and six collaborating organisations: the Commonwealth Ombudsman; Ombudsman Victoria; the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission; the Office of the Public Advocate (Vic); the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (WA); and the Office of Police Integrity (Vic). The “closed environments” being examined under the research project are linked to the Collaborating Organisations. They are prisons, police cells, closed psychiatric and disability settings, and immigration detention. The key aims of the research project are: to identify the impact in practice of human rights legislation on the functioning of these closed facilities; to understand and influence the work of the monitoring bodies whose role it is to scrutinise the treatment of people held in closed environments; and to propose strategic frameworks for implementing human rights in practice.
Website: Implementing Human Rights in Closed Environments - International Conference
Date: Tuesday 21 February 2012
A professional development day for support workers, counsellors and educators working with teenagers and/or adults with disability. This workshop includes practical activities using resources designed for people with disability. The workshop is ideal for professionals wanting to teach friendship, dating and relationship skills to individuals or small groups of people with disability. It will also include some information and resource recommendations for sexuality education. Comments: Workshops will also be held in other Regional areas - contact for more details! Contact: Laura Hayden Phone: 02)68821099 Email: laura.hayden@northcott.com.au
Date: Tuesday 21 February 2012
Feb 21-22. The purpose of the conference is to identify priorities for action and the broad issues which will be covered throughout the two days are: Ethics and Media Funding for Services Improving Collaboration Law Reform OHS Principles & Practicalities of Intervention Research Agenda Workforce & Professional Development
Website: National Hoarding and Squalor Conference
Date: Wednesday 22 February 2012
This is applicable both as a refresher course for current board members and for new board members. Trainer Sallie Saunders. * Day 1 addresses the key issues in developing an effective nonprofit Board / Management Committee for 2012 and beyond. This includes the changes contained in the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 and the impact of changes to the Federal Industrial Relations system. * Day 2 - The “Practical Policy Development” workshop will follow the Action Plan generated on day 1 to identify areas for policy development, explore some draft policies and draft specific policies for each organisation/participant. When? Wed and Thu 22 and 23 February 2012, 9.30am-3.30pm. Where? Northside Community Forum, 21 Chandos St, St Leonards. Cost? $250 per workshop (inc GST) (if you register for both, the second day is $210). Includes tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Phone Terri on 8405 4444 or terries@nsforum.org.au.
Website: Board Development Training
Date: Sunday 26 February 2012
26-28 February, 2012 Tri-State 2012 - Aged care: The new frontier Albury Entertainment Centre, NSW. The 21st Annual Tri-State Conference will bring aged care professionals from across NSW and Victoria, as well as South Australia, to consider the Conference theme Aged care: The new frontier. In 2012, Aged care: The new frontier will look at the future of aged care as the industry embarks upon the journey into a new era of aged care provision following the 2011 release of the Productivity Commission’s report into the industry. Presentations from leading industry experts will focus on a range of projects, methods and ideas which will lead the industry into a new chapter, a new frontier of aged care services provision, management and leadership. Key speakers include: • ABC's The Gruen Transfer panellist, Dan Gregory on how to make aged care sexy, or at least midly arousing • Professor Bill Silvester on Advanced Care Planning and the Make Health Choices project • Michael Goldsworthy on the 'new world order' where customer focus and market forces play out within a deregulated industry And the special guest of the event will be comedian Jean Kittson who returns for a second year to facilitate the event with her own touch of humour and charm. To view the full Program and to register to attend, visit www.accv.com.au
Website: Tri-State 2012 - Aged care: The new frontier
Date: Tuesday 28 February 2012
Its main objective is to raise awareness of rare diseases and their impact on not only the kids living with them and their families, but also on the wider community as a whole.
Website: Rare Disease Day
Date: Thursday 01 March 2012
1-2 March. Tools and techniques for a happier life! Two full days of worksops and information sessions from speakers such as Ita Buttrose, Ahn Do, Wendy Harmer and Jessica Rowe as well as professional practitioners in the disability field of therapy. Contact Information Phone: 02 8719 5118 Fax: 02 9798 9413 Email: conferences@vajrayana.com.au
Website: Happiness and its causes 2012
Date: Saturday 03 March 2012
Monday 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th March. Location: Tamworth Hydrotherapy Pool - Tamworth Base Hospital Description: Come Try a Sport a Month is an opportunity for people with a disability to try a new sport in a welcoming and fun environment at a minimal cost. In March we will be trialing Aquarobics. Aquarobics is a fun physical activity performed in shallow water. Aquarobics has the advantages of the use of water supporting the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. This places less stress on the joints when stretching, and can allow a greater range of motion. After the trial month if the participant would like to get involved in the sport regularly NSW Sport and Recreation will help integrate them into a local body. This is a great opportunity to trial a new sport and get physically active. Comments: Cost per person: $5 for entire program. Bookings: Limited to 12 – so get in quick! Enrolments close 28/2/12. To book contact Sam Eriksson at Department of Sport and Recreation on (02) 6766 1200 or email samuel.eriksson@communities.nsw.gov.au Notes: Participants must be confident in the water and have a degree of swimming ability. If participant usually has a carer they must attend as well. Carers are not provided. Phone the pool and discuss individual cases if unsure. Appropriate swimming attire must be worn.
Website: Come Try - Aquarobics
Date: Thursday 08 March 2012
The Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM) will be holding it's 2012 conference in Sydney on March 8-10 2012. For more information visit the website www.aaddm2012.com or email aaddm@unsw.edu.au There are early bird discounts available and if you would like to submit papers for the symposium they can be emailed to the University.
Website: AADDM Conference - March 8-10, 2012.
Date: Friday 09 March 2012
Friday 9 to Sunday 11 March 2012. The Festival, hosted by Transition Newcastle, is an opportunity to meet with people passionate about social justice, innovative social enterprises and strong resilient communities. The festival combines speakers, workshops, music, stalls and exhibitions which will inspire, motivate and inform around the theme of: 1. Connected communities 2. Localised fair economies 3. Sustainable lifestyles
Website: Fair Share Festival
Date: Friday 09 March 2012
'The Corporate takeover of childhood: who's paying the price?' will be presented by Australian Council on Children and the Media and the Children and Families Research Centre of Macquarie University, in association with ARACY. This is the 3rd Australian Conference on Children and the Media and will be held on Friday 9 March 2012 , from 9am - 5pm at Telstra 242 Conference Centre, Melbourne. Our society has many ways of convincing children that their happiness, and their very identity, depend on what they buy and what they own. The evidence shows that consumerism doesn't make children happier or healthier. This raises the question: How can we make sure healthy child development is given due consideration in exploitative commercial environments? This conference will explore the issues, review the research and discuss possible remedies.
Website: The 3rd Australian Conference on Children and the Media
Date: Thursday 15 March 2012
A forum on strategies for improving the health of people with intellectual disability. The forum will provide information on how to stay healthy and get good health care. Guest speakers include health professionals and advocates and sessions will include;challenges to health care, tips for visiting the doctor, mental health and making health care work for you. There will be easy to understand sessions for people with intellectual disability (places limited to ensure accessibility). Comments: Cost (including lunch & morning tea), family/carers/students $15, Service providers $50 and people with intellectual disability are free. Contact: Katie Mears Phone: 02 9211 1611 toll free 1800 424 065
Website: Healthier Lives in the New England
Date: Tuesday 20 March 2012
Celebrate & Rejuvenate, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Well-being Conference will be held in Ballina, NSW from 20-22 March 2012.
Website: Health and Well-being Conference
Date: Wednesday 21 March 2012
About Harmony Day Harmony Day is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year. It's a day where all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity. The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and gives people the opportunity to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and share what we have in common. The continuing message for Harmony Day in 2011 is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.
Website: National Harmony Day
Date: Thursday 29 March 2012
Policy-makers, researchers and those engaged in social services or advocacy will examine “Sharing the wealth of the lucky country' with various Australians discussing the policy and practice to put equality in Australia at the forefront of public debate. New research shows that the post-tax income of Australia’s poorest households has been falling while the richest households continue to earn more. When? Thursday 29 March to Friday 30 March, 9am-5pm. Where? Australian Technology Park, Locomotive Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015. Cost? Early bird (20 Jan) - member / non-member / concession: 2 days $485 / $620 / $95, 1 day $255 / $310 / $55. Deadline 2 March 5pm.
Website: ACOSS 2012 Conference - Australian Council of Social Service
Date: Saturday 14 April 2012
Saturday 14th, 21st & 28th April Location: Tamworth Sports Dome - 1 Jack Smyth Drv, Hillvue Description: Come Try a Sport a Month is an opportunity for people with a disability to try a new sport in a welcoming and fun environment at a minimal cost. This month ww will be trialing boccia. Boccia is a fun, challenging ball game involving skill and strategy. Each player has 6 balls and like lawn bowls, the winner is determined by who can throw there ball closest to the jack. Boccia is a Paralympic sport. After the trial month if the participant would like to get involved in the sport regularly NSW Sport and Recreation will help integrate them into a local body. This is a great opportunity to trial a new sport and get physically active. Comments: Cost Per Person: $5 for entire program. Bookings: Bookings are limited – so get in quick! Bookings close 7/4/12. To book contact Sam Eriksson at Department of Sport and Recreation on (02) 6766 1200 or email samuel.eriksson@communities.nsw.gov.au If participant usually has a carer they must attend as well. Carers are not provided.
Date: Saturday 14 April 2012
Boccia is a fun, challenging ball game involving skill and strategy. Each player has 6 balls and like lawn bowls, the winner is determined by who can throw there ball closest to the jack. Boccia is a Paralympic sport. This session will give an introduction to the sport of boccia and a brief and accurate explanation as to how the sport is played. This is designed for people that are interesting in coaching Boccia. Coaches are essential for the sport to be successful in the region Comments: Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm. Contact: Sam Eriksson Phone: (02) 6766 1200 Email: samuel.eriksson@communities.nsw.gov.au Cost Per Person: Free Morning tea will be provided.
Date: Thursday 19 April 2012
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and RMIT University are pleased to announce the inaugural Homelessness Research Conference to be held in Melbourne on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 April 2012. This is an important event for the National Homelessness Research Network and will provide the opportunity to hear from many of Australia’s leading researchers — to not only get a sense of what research is currently underway and what research methods and approaches are being used, but also to consider what further homelessness research is needed. The conference will also be a chance to hear from international experts Dr Dennis Culhane, Professor of Social Policy, University of Pennsylvania (USA) and Dr Volker Busch-Geertsema, Chair, European Observatory on Homelessness (Germany).
Website: Homelessness Research Conference
Date: Saturday 28 April 2012
What? Hosted by the Western Australian Association for the Blind, the April conference covers a wide range of topics around blindness, vision impairment and other print disabilities, including education, digital delivery of print materials, web accessibility, assistive technology and audio description. The theme is “Universal access - are we there yet?” focusing on the impact of digital technology on a space which was formerly occupied by books and print media. The term “print disabilities” includes people who have difficulty accessing printed materials, such as those with dyslexia, vision impairment or restricted mobility. Speakers, panel discussions and workshops. When? 28 April to 1 May 2012. Where? Perth, Western Australia. Info? Contact Chris Whitelock, Conference Convenor, on Chris.Whitelock@guidedogswa.com.au or(08) 9311 8209.
Website: The Roundtable on Print Disability Conference 2012
Date: Sunday 29 April 2012
What? The Down Under Institute 2012 is about creating opportunities for full lives for all by building communities where we belong, connect, contribute, and are full participating members. This meeting will help to understand, strengthen, and create opportunities for inclusiveness and to facilitate building community through embracing diversity. Shared stories, Australasian experiences and practices. Facilitators and Down Under Institute’s community leaders (John O’Brien, Connie Lyle-O’Brien, Jack Pearpoint, Lynda Kahn, Mike Green) take lead roles. When? 29 April to 3 May 2012 Where? University of NSW – Central Business District Campus, 1 O’Connell St, Sydney. Cost? $950 covers tuition, welcome reception Sunday evening, coffee and tea, morning tea, community celebration BBQ Wed evening; all materials. Limited sponsorships available. Early registration fee $850.
Website: The Down Under Institute 2012 - Creating opportunities for Full Lives for All
Date: Monday 30 April 2012
April 30 – May 1 2012 Canberra Rex Hotel 150 Northbourne Ave, Braddon, ACT, 2612 The DANA 4th National Disability Advocacy Conference will seek to build advocacy momentum and strategies for achieving community living and full inclusion for people with disabilities in particular by engaging with the National Disability Strategy, the UNCRPD, the NDIS, and other relevant government policy initiatives. We will do this by considering 6 key life themes and asking some critical questions: • What is the current policy and political context? • What are people with disabilities experiencing? • What would we like to see happening? • What can we do as advocates and organizations, as individuals and collectively to get from where we are now to where we want to be? Keynote speakers: Dr Christie Lynch from Ireland has been engaged as a Keynote speaker and other possibilities are being explored. Dr Christy Lynch is nationally and internationally recognised for his pioneering work in achieving integrated employment for individuals with a disability. He founded the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) and was founder member and first President of the European Union of Supported Employment (EUSE).
Website: National Disability Advocacy Conference Advocating for Inclusion
Date: Tuesday 01 May 2012
The Connecting Up Conference looks at new ways for nonprofit organisations to connect and engage with their supporters and to improve their business efficiency. It attracts a good mix of nonprofit executives, managers, board members, decision makers, service providers, vendors, and communicators in the sector. The theme for 2012 is "Unleashing the power of your nonprofit", which will look at how nonprofits and charities can further utilise technology, social media, marketing, and communication strategies to unleash the power of their organisations.
Website: Connecting Up Conference 1-3 May 2012
Date: Thursday 03 May 2012
3-4 May 2012, Hilton, Adelaide The NDS Preparing for the New World Conference will integrate policy, research and practice to help enable service providers to respond effectively and efficiently to the challenges of a person-centred, competitive and expanded system. It will offer presentations appealing to staff from accommodation and respite services, social participation services and employment services - but will also be of great interest to people from governments and academic institutions.
Website: NDS Preparing for the New World Conference 2012
Date: Friday 04 May 2012
Friday 4th, 11th & 25th May Location: Tamworth Community Centre - 214 Darling Street, Tamworth Description: Come Try a Sport a Month is an opportunity for people with a disability to try a new sport in a welcoming and fun environment at a minimal cost. This month we will be trialing Gentle Exercise Classes. The aim of the gentle exercise is to provide a low impact exercise program that will increase fitness and mobility as well as muscle strength. After the trial month if the participant would like to get involved in the sport regularly NSW Sport and Recreation will help integrate them into a local body. This is a great opportunity to trial a new sport and get physically active. Comments: Time: 10:30 – 11:15 Cost per person: $5 for entire program. Bookings: Limited to 18 – so get in quick! Bookings close 27/4/12. To book contact Sam Eriksson at Department of Sport and Recreation on (02) 6766 1200 or email samuel.eriksson@communities.nsw.gov.au Notes: If participant usually has a carer they must attend as well. Carers are not provided. Wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. Flat soled shoes that are enclosed and supportive need to be worn.
Date: Wednesday 16 May 2012
The ATSA Daily Living Expo is being held at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne from 16-17 May 2012 starting at 9.30am each day. There will be more than 50 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and services for people with disabilities and the elderly. On display will be the latest in assistive technology, mobility solutions, pressure care, employment support, accessible recreation/holiday ideas, modified motor vehicles and a whole lot more.
Website: ATSA Daily Living Expo 2012
Date: Monday 21 May 2012
It will be hosted by Aged and Community Services SA & NT and held from 21st May to 22nd May 2012 at the world class Adelaide Convention Centre. The Conference speaking program has been developed around the Conference theme of Firm Foundations : Flexible Futures.
Website: 2012 ACSA National Community Care Conference
Date: Tuesday 22 May 2012
When: 22nd - 25th May 2012 Where: Jupiters Gold Coast Convention Centre Queensland, Australia Hosted by Spectronics, the conference focuses specifically on "inclusive learning technologies" - technologies designed to advance independent achievement for people with disabilities and/or students with learning difficulties. It includes sessions looking at these technologies in the following three interest streams. Struggling Students* People with Complex Communication Needs People with Disabilities *What do we mean by "struggling students"? Here we are talking about students who are in Regular Ed settings but are struggling to keep up with the reading, writing or organisational tasks required of them. These students may be struggling because of learning difficulties. Alternatively, they could be one of the growing number of ESL (English as a Second Language) students in our schools and post-secondary institutions.
Website: Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference
Date: Wednesday 23 May 2012
Key topics will include the Premises Standards – One Year On - Egress and Access, Standards in Preparation, Access in Small and Remote Communities, Access and Public Transport and housing. Site visits will also be an important part of the Conference. The conference format will include a mix of plenary sessions, presentations and workshops as well as a trade exhibition and conference dinner. Dates: Wednesday 23 May 2012 to Friday 25 May 2012 Venue: Alice Springs Convention Centre 93 Barret Drive, Desert Springs NT 0870 Arrival Time: 1:30 pm Wednesday 23rd May 2012 (subject to change until finalisation is confirmed with last morning flights into Alice Springs) Close Time: 5:00 pm Friday 25th May 2012
Website: ACAA 2012 Conference and Trade Expo "SETTING THE STANDARD"
Date: Wednesday 06 June 2012
6-8 June 2012- Fremantle WA. As the leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy advice, the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) is proud to host Australia’s second National Drug and Alcohol Conference (NIDAC 2012). Based on the theme, Beyond 2012: Leading the Way to Action, NIDAC 2012 aims to highlight how the sector is able to lead the way to action in addressing the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs and its associated harms among Indigenous Australians.
Website: The 2nd National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference