QDN e-News 23 January 2024

Welcome to 2024! Happy New Year to all our members and supporters, we hope you've all had a wonderful festive period and are ready to get stuck into the year ahead.  

Welcome back to another edition of the QDN e-News. 

The QDN office will be closed for the public holiday on Friday the 26th of January. 

Disability Action Week webinar recording   

Disability Action Week webinar last year celebrated the contribution of Queenslanders with disability to all families, communities, workplaces and the economy.

We encourage members who weren’t able to attend to catch up on the recording of the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_dYAdxNVE  

Qblogger post by Zahava Robb – How I learnt to stand up for myself.  

QBloggers is a member-driven blogging community where our members are creating by discussing the topics that matter to people with disability. We encourage everyone to check the most recent blog post from December last year, Zahava Rabb talks about her life experience and how she learnt to stand up for herself, despite the challenges in navigating the system as a person with disability.  

“I can say today with complete confidence that the very fact that I learned to ask for help at a young age, and thanks to my stubbornness and perhaps also quite a bit of audacity that I had, helped me a lot in wanting to stand up for my rights as a citizen in front of the authorities. 

So, what have I learned along the way? No matter where you came from, you have the ability to achieve the life you want. “ 

To read the full story click here: https://qdn.org.au/how-i-have-learnt-to-stand-up-for-myself/  

2023 Emerging Leaders graduation 

QDN would like to thank all 24 Emerging Leaders who engaged with all face-to-face and online meetings, listening, learning, and sharing their experiences with the Speakers and QDN Staff. Emerging leaders are all about developing leadership skills and building capacity for taking your place in the world. If you are interested in becoming an Emerging leader, applications will be opening in February, keep it in mind for more information.  

Applications for the 2024 QDN Emerging Leaders program are open!

Running from March 2024 to November 2024 QDN’s Emerging Leaders program builds the capacity and leadership skills of people with disability. The program supports Emerging Leaders to:

• build capacity and develop the skills and confidence to contribute to their community,
• lead change in their lives,
• create a more inclusive community, and
• inform, connect, lead and influence.

Emerging Leaders in the program are involved in monthly training sessions, mentorship, community activities and much more.

Applications close 9 February 2024. Contact us at peersupport@qdn.org.au or phone 1300 363 783 for more information or support to apply.

Complete the application form here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pN22SPKKGkecMSBHox1OyK8T1pTBKOBMlkxpq9iv9p1UQlI1NUhGT0RBTlpOOEtJWFZDS1NWMUNHUi4u

More information here: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/emerging-leaders-program/ 

The NDIS Review town hall tour is coming to Brisbane! 

Join us to discuss the NDIS Review on Thursday 25th January 2024 11am-12:30pm, online and in person at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

This event will feature, a review Co-chair Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM, review members Kirsten Deane OAM, Kevin Cocks AM and Douglas Herd and some closing remarks from the Hon. Bill Shorten MP Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

That’s a hybrid event so you can join us in Brisbane at Brisbane Convention E Exhibition Centre, Glenelg Street South Brisbane or watch live online.   

RSVP now at: https://events.humanitix.com/brisbane-ndis-review   

Accessibility options for the event are listed on the ticketing website. 

From our supporters 

University of Sydney DIDRR (Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction) Learning Modules  

Associate Professor Michelle Villeneuve from University of Sydney has produced and published a collection of informative learning modules involving several of our QDN members. These free modules have a focus on educating people working in emergency services about disability and homelessness, but present information that is useful for anyone. Access to these modules can be found via Michelle Villeneuve's Vimeo site here: https://vimeo.com/user86647365 Or, by navigating Michelle's website, Collaborating 4 Inclusion here: https://collaborating4inclusion.org/  

DOBBIE-BRIDGES & TRIBAL PARTNER IN NEW ERA FOR PARA-SPORTS TEAMWEAR 

Tribal Sports has recently announced a significant partnership with Michael Dobbie-Bridges, a Wheelchair Tennis Paralympian and two-time All Australian AFL Wheelchair player.

In addition to the partnership with Michael, Tribal Sport are dedicated to designing team wear across all sports with the specific needs of the disability community.

QDN understand the importance of having proper clothes that fit well for athletes with disabilities. 

To register your interest, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/LGJYHhQqjs 

For more information about Tribal Sport website: https://tribalsport.com.au/

National Strangulation Prevention Symposium to be held in Brisbane on 21st & 22nd February 2024. 

Join the 2-day Symposium for a groundbreaking national conversation on Non-Lethal Strangulation. This event will be at Australian first, enabling us to shine a light on this critical issue.

Dates: Wednesday  21 February 2024 and Thursday 22 February 2024

Time: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

Location: Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane

Register now - https://www.redrosefoundation.com.au/event-details/2-day-non-lethal-strangulation-symposium-a-national-conversation

For more information visit Red Rose foundation website - https://www.redrosefoundation.com.au/symposium

University of the Sunshine Coast Focus Group Invitation 

The Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit at the University of the Sunshine Coast is conducting research to collect community views on the sentencing of rape and sexual assaults, including the seriousness of the offending. The research project is funded by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General. 

The Project Team are seeking participants for focus groups from QDN. Focus groups will be two hours in length and held in person in various locations across Queensland and online. Participants will receive an $80 electronic payment for their participation in a focus group. 

You and your community members must satisfy the following inclusion criteria to participate: 

1.    You speak conversational English; 

2.    You are 18 or over; 

3.    You live in Queensland; and 

4.    You have not been accused or convicted of committing a sexual offence. 

The focus group research has UniSC human research ethics approval A232001. 

You can register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/PirxnMnyEn. 

Embedding Accessibility Co-design into the Delivery of Public Transport Infrastructure.

The Hopkins Centre did a study on the Cross River Rail project to make it more accessible. They made a toolkit to help build new public transport in a way that considers everyone. This toolkit has many things to make sure the process is good. Some recommendations are: Introduction and Background, Key Principles of Co-Design, Stakeholder Identification and Engagement, Workshop Facilitation Techniques, Accessibility Assessment Tools, Design Guidelines and Best Practices, Technology Integration, Documentation and Reporting, Training and Capacity Building, Feedback and Continuous Improvement, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and more. 

This toolkit is like a big guide to help with making public transport better for everyone. If you want more details, click here: https://qdn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/231219-Hopkins-Co-Design-Toolkit-Accessible_v17-1.pdf  

• In January last year, the Queensland State Government launched the toolkit: 'Embedding Accessibility Co-design into the Delivery of Public Transport Infrastructure.' In partnership with the Hopkins Centre.   
• Their recent research focused on improving the Cross River Rail project by engaging with accessibility in a new way. 
• The result? A groundbreaking toolkit designed to seamlessly incorporate accessibility co-design into the development of new public transport infrastructure. 
• Covering everything from Key Principles of Co-Design to Legal and Regulatory Compliance, this toolkit is a comprehensive guide to ensuring an inclusive and effective co-design process.  

Research recruitment information – Empowering workers with disabilities to be successful in the tourism and hospitality sector.   

We are delighted to share that Emily Lu from Griffith University is conducting PhD research on empowering current workers with disabilities to thrive in the tourism and hospitality sector. She is inviting workers with disabilities or neurodiversity to join her research.  

Please you can access the three-paged flyer clicking in the link below.   

https://qdn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Recruitment-Flyer-Reference-Group.pdf  

For more information, please email her at emily.lu2@griffithuni.edu.au

University of Queensland Co-design project

The University of Queensland is conducting a Co-design Project aimed at enhancing the approach of UQ Occupational Therapy in caring for their patients.

They are seeking 2 or 3 individuals with disabilities to participate in a 1-hour interview. The goal is to gather insights from people with lived experiences.

The key aims of the project are:

• Develop strategies for engaging individuals with lived experiences in our student education.
• Understand the needs and experiences of individuals requiring physical assistance in managing their daily activities.
• Collaboratively identify priority issues for training and determine the most effective ways to address these in educating students on handling individuals.
• Create resources to support student learning.

This encompasses anyone who needs physical assistance throughout their day, ranging from physical prompting to individuals using hoists and wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

 

Policy update 

National Covid Update: Important to stay safe

Another wave of COVID-19 is spreading across Australia and not expected to peak until Christmas. We would like to remind our members and supporters about the importance of staying COVID safe. Remember to:

• Wear a mask when needed (indoor public spaces, public transport, hospitals)
• Maintain physical distance (1.5 metres if possible)
• Avoid high-risk settings (especially if you are exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms, or have tested positive)
• Practice good hygiene (wash your hands, use hand sanitiser, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose)

For more information click here: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/protect-yourself-and-others 

NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia 

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme has announced an Inquiry into the NDIS participant experience in regional, rural and remote Australia. QDN’s Policy team is writing a submission to the Inquiry and would like to hear from QDN members about their experiences.  

If you have a story you would like to share, please contact Bec from the Policy team on rcason@qdn.org.au.  

You can find out more about the Inquiry here: NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) 

Inquiry into Supported Accommodation in Queensland 

At the end of last year, the Community Support and Services Committee announced the Inquiry into the Provision and Regulation of Supported Accommodation in Queensland. QDN has been asked to help support people who want to share their story. 

If you are a current or past resident of supported accommodation, your story about your experiences is very important.  By sharing your story, you help the inquiry to understand what changes are needed, to help improve supported housing for everyone. 

If you have a story you would like to share, please contact Bec or Karen from the Policy team at qdn@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783. 

Submissions close on 2 February 2024. 

You can find out more information here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=165&id=4298  

You can make a submission here: https://qldparlcomm.snapforms.com.au/form/cssc---inquiry-into-the-provision-and-regulation-of-supported-accommodation-in-queensland  

Consultation on Disability Royal Commission Response 

The Australian Government has opened an online questionnaire where you can have your say about which Disability Royal Commission recommendations are important to you and why. 

Click the link below to read the final report, subscribe for updates about the consultation process, or have your say via the online questionnaire.   

Click here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/drcausgovresponse/  

2023 QDN Member Survey closed 

Thank you to all the members who completed the 2023 QDN Member Survey, we appreciate you sharing your ideas and feedback. Our Policy team is currently analysing the results and will be sharing the information with the Board, who will use this to inform QDN’s strategic priorities and direction for the next Strategic Plan. 

NDIS Disability Employment Services (DES) Pathways Pilot announced  

The NDIS DES Pathways Pilot aims to improve pathways from the NDIS into the DES program for people who do not have mutual obligations and volunteer to receive additional support from a DES provider. 

The Pilot is open to NDIS participants who want to work and do not have mutual obligations in the following regions: 

• Australian Capital Territory 
• Greater Darwin 
• Outer Eastern Melbourne 

The program will help the Australian Government better understand what works for NDIS participants without mutual obligations when looking for and starting work. 

Learn more here: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-programs-services/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ndis-disability-employment-services-des-pathways-pilot  

Rebuilding the employment services system - report released 

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services tabled its final report in November last year. The report recommends large scale reform to fundamentally rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System.  

In the report the Committee makes 75 recommendations supported by over 600 pages of detailed analysis. 

The report is available on the Committee’s website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Workforce_Australia_Employment_Services/WorkforceAustralia/Report  

What's on

Peer Support Groups

• Friday, 19 January 2024, Brisbane Hot Topics Peer Support Group, 12:30-1:30pm, QDN office and Online via Zoom.  
• Thursday, 25 January 2024, Rockhampton Peer Support Group, 9:00am-12:00pm, CocoBrew Rockhampton, 114 William St, Rockhampton. 
• Wednesday, 31 January 2024, Toowoomba Peer Support Group, 1:00pm-3:00pm, Toowoomba City Library and Online via Zoom. 

What is the P-CEP Peer Leadership Program? 

We are seeking interest from people with disability in QLD, NSW, ACT, SA, and WA to become P-CEP Peer Leaders.

You will learn how to use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) workbook to create your emergency plan and help others in your community know about the P-CEP Workbook to get ready for emergencies.

When are workshops happening?

The workshops will be delivered online using Zoom. Workshops are running throughout January and February. Attendance at all four workshops in the series is essential. Each workshop will have a duration of 1-1.5 hours.

Join the workshop series that suits you:

• Mondays: January 8th to 29th at 11:00 AM AEST
• Tuesdays: January 9th to 30th at 4:00 PM AEST
• Wednesdays: January 10th to 31st at 11:00 AM AEST
• Thursdays: February 1st to 22nd at 4:00 PM AEST
• Fridays: February 2nd to 23rd at 4:00 PM AEST

Please complete the Expression of Interest - link: Join the Person-Centred Peer Leadership (P-CEP) Peer Leadership Program in 2024! (office.com)

Please call QDN on 1300 363 783 if you have any questions or require additional support to complete the Expression of Interest.

This program is funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) Information Linkages and Capacity Building program.

Get Ready, Plan Ahead workshops taking place around Queensland

The best way to stay safe and well during a severe storm, flood, bushfire or other emergency, is to have your own plan for your health and safety needs.

These FREE workshops are to support people with disability learn how to plan for their support needs in emergencies.

These workshops are presented by people with disability, for people with disability.

What will you learn?

• How to use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness tool to identify your strengths and support needs in emergency planning.

• Your local hazards and risks, such as storms, bushfires, power outages etc.

• The role of the local council, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and State Emergency Services in an emergency or disaster.

• Where to find important information in an emergency or disaster through the Council Dashboard.

• The important items to have in an emergency kit.

Where are workshops happening?

Gympie region:

 

Gympie central - Get Ready, Plan Ahead Workshop

It is important to attend both Part A and B.

Part A: Tuesday 20 February, 10am to 1pm

Part B: Tuesday 5 March, 10am to 1pm

Where: Weeroona Association, 16 Red Hill Road, Gympie.

Tin Can Bay - Get Ready, Plan Ahead Workshop for Seniors

It is important to attend both Part A and B.

Part A: Wednesday 21 February, 10am to 1pm

Part B: Wednesday 6 March, 10am to 1pm

Where: Tin Can Bay Library, 47 Tin Can Bay Road.

-

Logan region:

Logan - Get Ready, Plan Ahead

It is important to attend both dates.

When: Monday, 5 and 12 February

Where: Carers Queensland, Level 1, 6 Ewing Road, Logan Central.

Time: 10am to 1pm

Register: Logan City Council PCEP Workshops

Springwood - Get Ready, Plan Ahead

It is important to attend both dates.

When: Friday, 1 and 8 March

Where: Logan East Community Centre, 55 Cinderella Drive, Springwood.

Time: 10am to 1pm

Register: Logan City Council PCEP Workshops

Hillcrest - Get Ready, Plan Ahead

It is important to attend both dates.

When: Monday, 18 and 25 March

Where: Logan West Community Centre, 2 Wineglass Drive, Hillcrest.

Time: 10am to 1pm

Register: Logan City Council PCEP Workshops

Workshops coming soon

North Queensland - Burdekin and Charters Towers workshops coming.

Moreton Bay area - Deception Bay workshop coming.

Stay up to date on workshops at the QDN Events page.

QDN Membership  

If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:  https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/  

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