Advocating for People with a Disability from Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU)The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU) have released a new course: Advocating for People with a Disability from Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. In this course you will learn about the challenges and barriers that CALD people face in accessing services, and what advocates can do to help overcome these barriers and meet the needs of people with disability from CALD backgrounds, across all service settings.
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Tags: Advocating for People with a Disability, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) - Disability advocacy course, DARU - New Course, Disability Advocacy Resource Unit

NDIS: Updates to operational guidelines and ‘Would We Fund It’ guides

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity StrategyFrom 3 October 2024, participants will only be able to use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports. There is also a list of things NDIS funding cannot be used for. In some circumstances participants may be able to request a substitution from the replacement support list. NDIS has updated several ‘would we fund it’ guides, including guides to help explain the replacement supports process. A list of examples is given and a link to the Would We Fund It Page.

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Tags: ‘Would We Fund It’ guides, examples of commonly requested items, Operational guidelines

Refugee Experiences in Australia Study

Refugee Experiences in Australia Study Have you arrived in Australia in the last 10 years and entered with a refugee or humanitarian visa? Having your voice heard through doing this survey is one way you can help contribute to improving settlement journeys for the next refugees and humanitarian entrants who come to Australia. The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute wants to hear about your thoughts and experiences of settling in Australia, if and how you have been supported since arriving here, and your views on belonging and connection. Any information you share will be confidential, and you will receive a $20 e-gift card for your time. The survey is available in 11 languages including English.

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Tags: Refugee Experiences in Australia Study, refugee or humanitarian visa, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute

Australia to launch Centre of Excellence to boost disability employment

Disability Employment Centre of Excellence
The Australian government has announced the establishment of a new Disability Employment Centre of Excellence aimed at improving employment outcomes for people with disability.

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Tags: Disability Employment Australia, Disability Employment Centre of Excellence, Family Advocacy, improving employment outcomes, Inclusion Australia, National Disability Services, Swinburne University, University of Melbourne

Disability reforms ‘need leadership, action’

NDIS Minister Amanda Rishworth

Reforms to improve the lives of disabled people experiencing homelessness need political leadership and action, advocates say, with the vulnerable group targeted in a new plan.

The Disability Strategy, which acts as a framework for policy commitments from state and federal governments, will include an additional homelessness priority area, commitment to a new community engagement plan and three fresh action plans.

It was unveiled by National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Amanda Rishworth in Melbourne on Wednesday.

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Tags: Accessible Homes, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Disability Strategy, Minister Rishworth, road map for implementation

What is anorexia? Symptoms, causes, treatments and help

What is anorexia If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, it may present as being incredibly focused on food, despite their physical condition and restricted diet. Speaking disparagingly about a person with anorexia nervosa may enable their self-worth to be fully realised through the negative outcomes on their body.

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Tags: causes of anorexia, Symptoms of anorexia, treatments and help for anorexia, What is anorexia

Neale Daniher’s worthy recognition is a unique opportunity to change the conversation about the NDIS

Neale Daniher’s worthy recognition

As someone who lives with a degenerative neuromuscular condition, I am thrilled by the announcement that Neale Daniher is the 2025 Australian of the Year. Through his leadership, the FightMND foundation has raised millions to fund research and ultimately strive for a cure, writes Dr George Taleporos, the Independent Chair of Every Australian Counts.

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Tags: Conversation on Disability, Dr George Taleporos, Motor Neurone disease, Neale Daniher - Australian of the Year

Independent Advisory Council spotlights key advice on NDIS improvements

Independent Advisory Council spotlights key advice on NDIS improvements

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has released its 2023-24 Annual Report, detailing its work over the past financial year.

The report is available on the IAC website in multiple formats, including Easy Read and Auslan video translations.

The annual report outlined the IAC’s role in providing independent advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) board. It also covered the council’s collaboration with stakeholders and contributions to policy co-design, aimed at improving outcomes for NDIS participants.

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Tags: Accessibility and communication initiatives, Advisory submissions and stakeholder engagement, IAC NDIS 2023-24 Annual Report, Independent Advisory Council