LISTEN TO THIS SITE WITH BROWSEALOUD
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The PDCV is currently trialling BrowseAloud, a computer program that assists people with disabilities, visual impairments, low literacy and reading skills or English as a second language, to read the content on this website and other BrowseAloud activated websites.
Once BrowseAloud is downloaded onto personal computers and activated, it works by speaking the words as a cursor moves over selected text.
BrowseAloud is available FREE to people who are using this website and is only active on this site and other BrowseAloud activated websites. For full details on how to install BrowseAloud on your computer, visit the BrowseAloud website and follow the instructions.
BROWSEALOUD WEBSITE
The PDCV committee would also appreciate your feedback after using this program.
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WHEN : Friday 13th November 2009
WHERE : Cafe Regal Function Room, 163 Timor Street,Warrnambool
TIME : 10.30am - 3.00 pm, Registration 10.00am
LIGHT LUNCHEON PROVIDED, RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL
Email Mary or phone 0407 212 686
What concerns you regarding Disability Services?
Do your REPRESENTATIVES understand these concerns and how they impact on you?
Come and discuss the issues directly with your Politicians, Councillors and fellow participants.
Your participation at this meeting will strengthen the need for improves and better services for People with a Disability in your region.
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SAFETY WARNING ISSUED FOR MOTORISED MOBILITY SCOOTERS
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A notice warning of the safe use of motorised mobility scooters has been issued by the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Dr Craig Emerson.
"Since July 2000 there have been reports of 71 deaths in Australia directly related to accidents involving motorised mobility scooters," Dr Emerson said. "Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment."
"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming. The ACCC will invite a number of key stakeholders to form a Reference Group to develop a joint national approach to problems involving motorised mobility scooters," he said.
People who intend to use these scooters must ensure they have the necessary physical and cognitive skills to operate and manoeuvre tham safely. Users should take care when riding a scooter and observe the following safety guidelines:
- Stay within the legal speed limit of 10 km/h.
- Be aware that taking medication or driving under the influence of alcohol may affect the user's judgement.
- Always make sure that you are clearly visible, particularly at night or on dull days - use the lights and reflectors and install a reflective safety flag high enough to be seen by motorists.
- Wear a bicycle helmet whenever possible.
- Slow down when you are near other people, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
- Avoid stopping or driving on inclines greater than your scooter is designed for.
- Use footpaths if possible. If there are no footpaths, plan to use quieter roads.
- Plan your trip to avoid uneven surfaces, dips and potholes.
- Ensure if you are carrying parcels that the load will not over-balance your scooter and the parcels do not interfere with your controls or vision.
The Ministerial Media Release
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Take Action for a National Disability Insurance Scheme
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All Australians need a no-fault insurance scheme for everyone who has, or acquires, a significant disability.
A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would be a landmark social and economic reform, transforming the lives of Australians with disabilities and their families.
Join the National Disability Insurance Scheme's rapidly growing national coalition of supporters in urging Australia's governments, federal and state to Take Action Now!
News Article in The Australian - Disability Insurance A Real Reform
More information about The NDIS Plan.
Found out how to join our supporters and Take Action Now.
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Making the education revolution accessible for everyone
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In a HREOC Media Release of June 5th 2009, the Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Mr Graham Innes, has congratulated the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and her Department on the preparation of a fact sheet on the interaction of proposed new Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards) and the Building the Education Revolution (BER) Program.
The BER program will provide infrastructure funding to more than 9000 schools throughout Australia over the next three years, providing education service providers with an opportunity to inprove access for all students, staff and parents who have a disability.
More information about the new Access to Premises Standards, Premises Standards and BER is provided in the Discussion Papers section of this website and the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
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VICTORIAN UNIVERSAL HOUSING ALLIANCE
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The PDCV is now a member of the Victorian Universal Housing Alliance (VUHA), which has been established to advocate for State regulation to increase Victoria's stock of universal housing - housing which is designed to be used by all people to the greatest extent possible.
This alliance is auspiced by the Victorian Council of Social Services(VCOSS), the Victorian Local Governance Association(VLGA), Council on the Aging (COTA),the Chronic Illness Alliance and the Housing Resource and Support Service.
More information about the VUHA is provided in the Newsletter section of this website and the VUHA website.
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DISABILITY DISASTER ADVOCACY GROUP |
The Disability Disaster Advocacy Group [DDAG] was formed amidst the recent bushfire period in Victoria. People with disabilities are often ignored or missing from disaster response operations. People with disabilities and seniors have additional disadvantages and requirements.
The DDAG has representation from people with disabilities, Council on the Aging, advocates, disability sector, mental health and community health sector, case managers, researchers, Municipal Association Victoria, metro, rural and deaf access workers. The DDAG is an active voice and resource willing to advise and assist the respective authorities and services working together with bushfire affected communities, the reconstruction and community redevelopment, the federal emergency response systems inititative, and research and policy writing to ensure that people with disabilities and seniors are considered and heard.
For more information on DDAG contact the Project Co-ordinator, Susan Stork-Finlay, or the Executive Officer, Action for Community Living Inc., David Craig .
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Pass Delivers More Options for People with a Disability
Media Release from the Victorian Minister for Public Transport - 23 June 2009
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People who have a severe and permanent disability and can travel independently on public transport will have access to a new travel pass.
Victorian Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky said "there have always been a small percentage of public transport users who have always been unable to use ticketing machines and the new pass would give them piece of mind. "
"The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to stand up for vulnerable Victorians and to give them access to public transport services and this pass will be made available to a small group of people who have a severe and permanent disability," Ms Kosky said. "This includes people who are in a wheelchair and have limited fine hand movement, which stops them from being able to reach a ticketing machine or barrier, as well as some people who have an intellectual disability."
"Following consultation with a number of special interest groups we have decided to close this gap by introducing the new Access Travel Pass. This new pass will be used in the same way that people currently use the Vision Impaired Travel Pass. Pass holders will need to carry it when ever they use public transport and it will entitle them to free travel."
The application process for the Access Travel Pass will include a number of steps:
- A registered health professional will need to certify that the applicant can travel independently but cannot use tickets; and
- All applications will be reviewed by an independent panel.
Ms Kosky said the introduction of the Access Travel Pass would be timed to coincide closely with the rollout of myki in Melbourne. Application forms will be administered by the MetLink Central Pass Office and be available from this office or online in September.
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