Newsletter for Students with Disabilities at Flinders University
Number 1, 2013
If you would like this newsletter in an alternative format please contact the Disability Service disability@flinders.edu.au
In this issue:
Alternative exam arrangements
Final year student scholarships – closes 15th April
Paid Internship opportunities – closes 29th April
Smart Phones for young people with vision impairment
Disabilities Officer for NUS
Mentors wanted
Australian Universities Sport
Public Service Careers information
Font for dyslexia
Student network
Boost your performance! – free lunchtime workshops
Cheap textbooks
Access Plan reminder
Cheap computers
Access Park outside Central Library
Assistance re print disability
Career information
Disability Advisor (DA) contact information
ALTERNATIVE EXAM ARRANGEMENTS – 1st semester 2013
The closing date for applications for alternative exam arrangements on the grounds of a health condition, learning difficulty or disability is Friday 17th May.
Unfortunately, applications received after that date cannot be accepted.
If you already have an Access Plan that covers exams, you don’t need to do anything. We will write to you to confirm your alternative arrangements.
If you do not have an Access Plan, you need to see a Disability Advisor (DA) before 17th May. You will need to provide documentation of your disability - this can be a letter from your treating professional, or they can complete this form Disability Verification.doc (DOC 596KB)
If you are unable to get an appointment with a DA, you can also see a counsellor or a doctor in Health, Counselling & Disability Services to negotiate alternative arrangements for exams.
Phone 8201 2118 for an appointment.
For general information about examinations check the web site
www.flinders.edu.au/current-students/exams-assess-results/examinations/examinations_home.cfm
Cross-institutional topics
If you have exams at another university, you MUST negotiate alternate arrangements with the Disability Service at that university.
Exam venues may change
Please be aware that the alternative exam venues can change every semester, depending on where the Exams Office can book suitable rooms. It is essential that you read your letter carefully and make sure you know where to go for your exam. Mistaking the time, date or venue does not give grounds to apply for supplementary exams.
ACEN 2013 Student Scholarships open
Applications close on 15th April
In 2013 ACEN is offering five scholarships, each valued at $1,500, to assist students undertaking placements.
The aim of the 2013 ACEN Student Scholarship is to support students who will undertake a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activity in a regional or remote area of Australia* as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate education.
The scholarships are open to final year students in all disciplines from institutions that are financial members of ACEN. This list is updated periodically.
The placement must be:
· Undertaken in 2013 in Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote and Very Remote locations* which requires students to relocate from their home address
· Fulltime (4-5 days per week, for a minimum of three weeks duration)
· Within Australia.
*The abovementioned Regional and Remote locations are those found in RA2- RA5 on the map:
http://doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/locator
Timeline:
· 15 April 2013 - Step 1 Applications close: Evidence of WIL activity and hardship.
· 13 May 2013 - Step 2: Short-listed applicants notified and asked to provide supporting information indicated in the application
· 10 June, 2013 - Step 3 of the Applications close: Evidence of Achievement in the previous 12 months or in relation to the current placement which relates to this application.
· 29 July, 2013 - Successful applicants notified
Application form
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEJVNXdsZDBpYTdGTnhORmpBTkp3bGc6MQ
For further information contact admin@acen.edu.au
STEPPING INTO… PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Stepping into… is a paid internship program specifically designed for students with disability, who want to get paid, hands-on work experience in an industry that is relevant to their degree and chosen field of study.
Internships are currently offered in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE on Monday, April 29, by 5pm
Full information on internships available and how to apply at this link:
http://www.and.org.au/pages/apply-for-stepping-into...-winter-2013.html
· Look under “Apply for Stepping into… Winter 2013”
· You can find out more about “Stepping into…” under “Information for Students”
Important:
There will be essential briefing sessions for all applicants to be considered for any of the available positions, as part of the selection process. Please refer to the details on the website.
For further enquiries, contact:
Caroline Kwong
Stepping into… Program Co-ordinator
Smart phones to assist young people with vision impairment
Ten young blind or vision impaired Australians will be provided with a new smart phone under a program being launched by Guide Dogs SA.NT.
Applications are being sought from 15-24 year olds across South Australia and the Northern Territory, under the program which will also include specialised training in how to use their device to its full potential.
The program, which is being developed with the support of the Telstra Foundation’s “Everyone Connected” grant, will include a number of group training sessions across 2013. Ten participants will be selected to participate in the program, with each to be provided with a new Android phone or iPhone and financial assistance for 12 months of voice and data service.
Interested applicants should contact Guide Dogs SA.NT on 08 8203 8333 or bill.harriff@guidedogs.org.au.
Disabilities Officer for NUS
The National Union of Students now has a Disabilities Officer – Liam McDonald. You can connect with Liam vis his NUS twitter address
https://twitter.com/NUSDisabilities
Mentors wanted
The Julia Farr Youth Mentor Program is looking for mentors aged 16-30 with lived experience of disability and is keen to connect with you! ??The program is looking for people who are passionate about young people living inclusive lives, exercising control over their lives and having the same opportunity as everyone else to develop to their full potential.
As a mentor, a person will have the opportunity to be involved in training, developing new skills including leadership skills and have the opportunity to empower a young person living with disability.
If you would like to become a mentor or would like more information please contact Sandy Williams on (08) 8373 8333 at JFA Purple Orange or email Sandy at sandyw@purpleorange.org.au.
Australian University Sport
Australian University Sport (AUS) is the peak governing body of university sport in Australia and currently has 41 members, which represents more than one million students. Working closely with its members as well as state and national sporting organisations, Australian University Sport operates regional, national and international sporting programs.
Students with a disability may not be aware that a number of AUS events welcome students with disabilities. AUS believes sport participation is an integral aspect in health; a healthy body means a healthy mind.
There are a number of categories within current AUS events that enable participation for students with a disability:
· Basketball 3x3 competition: wheelchair 3x3 competition is also held.
· Australian University Games Athletics program
· Australian University Games Swimming program
· Other sports in the Australian University Games that welcome athletes with a disability include Golf, Lawn Bowls, Sailing, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling and Tennis
· Regional University Games offer Tennis, Golf and Squash as sports that enable athletes with a disability to compete in individual competitions.
For more info go to: http://www.unisport.com.au/Pages/Home.aspx
Careers in the Public Service
The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) is pleased to announce that My Career, My APS is now available via the APSC website at http://www.apsc.gov.au/disability/my-career
An initiative of the As - One APS Disability Employment Strategy, My Career, My APS is an online career tool that provides information and practical exercises for people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with a disability, who want to know more about a career in the APS or are already employed in the APS and looking to further their career.
Anyone can use My Career, My APS and there are no log-ons, passwords or assessment tasks required. Potential and current employees are able to choose from a range of useful tools to assist them in planning for the next steps in their career journey.
My Career, My APS can be accessed from the Australian Public Service Commission’s website by clinking on the My Career, My APS logo.
Font for dyslexia
A font has been designed for people with dyslexia. It is free to download and use from the following link http://dyslexicfonts.com/downloads.php
Alternative Abilities - Student Inclusion Network
Some students are forming a network for students of alternative abilities. If you are (or know of) an alternative abilities student who would like to support their peers, share knowledge and ideas, network, and socialize in a safe environment please contact Joanne or Nathan.
Joanne – chua0073@flinders.edu.au
Nathan – higg0137@flinders.edu.au
Boost your performance!
The Counselling Service continues to run free lunchtime workshops this year that could make an enormous difference to your student experience. Themes include ‘Putting off procrastination’, ‘Managing Perfectionism’, and ‘Peak performance for exams’.
The workshops are held in Room 114, Humanities Building, 12 noon – 12.50pm.
Check out full details at:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/current-students/healthandcounselling/workshops.cfm
| Cheap textbooks - Textbook Exchange
|
http://textbookexchange.com.au/content.php/25.html
Australia's largest second hand textbook site is a 100% free service for StudentVIP members.
Sell textbooks:
Turn last semester's used textbooks into cash.
Buy textbooks:
Save heaps off new textbook prices!
Start by joining StudentVIP. It takes 30 seconds.
For more information email svip@studentservices.com.au
Access Plan reminder
It is your responsibility to discuss your Access Plan with Topic Coordinators and provide them with a copy at the start of each semester, even if you think you probably won’t need to use it. By following proper process you will find it easier to negotiate with Topic Coordinators when you do need an extension.
Having an Access Plan does not guarantee you an extension – you still must follow the specified process for your course. The Access Plan merely allows you to negotiate without having to provide further medical evidence in most circumstances. You need to be aware that in some disciplines (particularly those that are practice-based), the nature of the assessment may mean that you will be required to provide a medical certificate.
Cheap computers!
Aspitech is a participant in the Community Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher Program (Community MAR).
The primary goal of the Community MAR program is to increase the number of low-cost computers available to seniors, people with a disability, eligible charitable organisations, eligible academic users, and other community users. This includes all students or Australian apprentices receiving ABSTUDY, Austudy or the Youth Allowance.
For more information check out the website: http://www.aspitech.com.au/mar
More cheap computers!
Green Pc is a not for profit social enterprise aiming to assist people gain access to quality refurbished computers at affordable prices.
The only eligibility requirement is that the recipient of the PC is a Health Care or Pension Card holder, a full time student, low-income earner or someone who faces a disadvantage of some form.
For further information check out the Green PC Web site at http://www.greenpc.com.au or call toll free on 1300 306645.
20-minute access park at Central Library
This car park is strictly for 20 minutes only - if you need longer you must park in car park 5.
The park outside the library was designed purely to enable people with permits to drop off or collect books, hence the 20-minute time limit cannot be extended.
Assistance for print disability
These websites have useful information for students with print or learning disabilities, and some have free downloads of screen-reading programs.
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/learning/
http://www.sharewareconnection.com/titles/text-reader.htm
http://www.cstr.ed.ac.uk/projects/festival/onlinedemo.html
Career information
Flinders University Graduate careers website – go to the menu ‘Information For’ and click on ‘Students with disabilities’.
http://www.flinders.edu.au/careers/student/
Education to Employment – lots of info for students with disabilities who are about to graduate.
http://pubsites.uws.edu.au/ndco/employment/
SA Career Consultants – Disability Open Employment Service Provider
Multiple Solutions – employment specialists
http://www.multiplesolutions.com.au/
Disability Advisors (DA) contact information
The DAs are located in Health, Counselling & Disability Services
Level 3, Student Centre
Paula Williams (Monday – Friday)
Phone 8201 2943 (direct line)
8201 2118 (to make an appointment)
Email disability@flinders.edu.au
Toni Crisci (Monday - Thursday)
Phone 8201 2118 (Health, Counselling & Disability Services)
Email toni.crisci@flinders.edu.au
Appointments are available most weekdays. However, the DAs are often out of the office so appointments are essential. Many queries do not require an appointment, so you might like to email a DA in the first instance - an appointment can be made later if necessary.
To receive services you need to provide documentation of your disability. This can be a recent letter from your doctor or treating professional, or you can ask them to complete this form Disability Verification.doc (DOC 596KB) It is helpful if you bring this to the first appointment, as it will expedite the process.
All information is treated as strictly confidential
