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ABILITY PLUS

May 1997, Issue No. 13
Newsletter for Students with Special Needs.

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Hi Everyone,

A belated welcome to the 1997 academic year. The beginning of the year in March/April is always so busy with new students that I rarely get a chance to write the newsletter before the first term break.

Many changes are happening around ANU including down sizing of staff but I’m still here! In fact Neil and I have moved to more spacious office space in H Block in Rooms 1 and 3. Unfortunately, Gillian Scott, whom many of you remember as my invaluable administrative assistant has left. At present I have the assistance of Jo Roper for several hours a week and I’m learning to work “smarter” as the jargon puts it.

EXAMS

I feel there is a need to clarify the procedures for mid semester exams and departmental exams/tests for those students who need alternative arrangements.

• If the mid semester exam is run by the examinations office then requests for alternative arrangements will be handled by staff from examinations as usual.
• If the exam/test is done in the department or in class you will need to contact your lecturer individually with your requests for alternative arrangements and it is the departments responsibility to provide them. You may need to provide another Special Arrangements form which I can sign for you if appropriate, verification of your disability is on my file.

Don’t forget 2 weeks notice is necessary for all alternative arrangements to be put in place.

PEER TUTORING

The Golden Key Scholars are doing a great job with tutoring first year students. All new students please note that you are welcome to ask for this service providing there is a volunteer tutor in your subject. We have extended this service to later year students now, again providing there is a tutor at or above your year in a particular subject.

DISABILITY ACTIVITIES

Leap-frog Adventures a non profit community organisation providing outdoor recreation programs.

Contact: Barry 288 3319 for information.

ALUMNI OF GRADUATES WITH A DISABILITY

The Regional Disability Liaison Unit in Victoria has now 38 members of this alumni and meets in Victoria - May 17, July 19, September 20 and November 15. Interstate people can contribute by mail, phone, fax or email. They hope to produce newsletters, basic professional development courses and training seminars for graduates and employees and network.

Contact: Nola Birch, RDLU, Deakin University, 336 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Vic 3144. Tel TTY 61-3-9244 5437. Fax: 61-3- 9244 5104. Email - nolab@deakin.edu.au.

CONFERENCE

Social Advocacies Event: 22-28 July 1997 Brisbane Hilton, 190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane.

Contact :Julie Granger at Queensland Advocacy Incorporated. Tel: 07 3236 1122, Fax: 072336 1590, email qai@mailbox.uq.oz.au.

Dr Wofensberger from Synacuse University USA will conduct workshops for people whose work involves advocacy for people with disabilities.

RSI INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 12.30 - 2.00 pm.

No cost.
Contact: Shout Office 290 1984

FYBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

Meet Woden Community Centre, 1st Wednesday every second month (Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct & Dec). 11.30 - 1.30 pm. Ph: 257 4842 or Marg 293 3081

CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP

Meets weekly Belconnen Health Centre 10 30- 12.30 pm. Ph: 256 2222.

MANAGING YOUR LIFE

An 8 week course for people who have acquired a disability Belconnen Community Centre. April-May. Ph: 251 5926.

QANTAS FLIGHTS

I believe Qantas offer discounts on overseas and domestic flights for people with disabilities.

PLACES WITH ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS

Access PALS is a computerised directory of places in the ACT and NSW that provide systems to assist people with a hearing impairment.

Contact: Peggy Hill, c/- SHH News, 1334 Pacific Highway, Turramurra, NSW 2074.
Cost: $15 approx. Ph: TTY 02 9144 7586.

ACCESS-ABLE TRAVEL SOURCE

USA based free source of information for travellers with disabilities from around the world. Internet address:

htpp://www.access-able.com. Email: carol@access-able.com.

I receive the SHH News magazine plus others relating to disabilities if anyone wants to read them they are welcome to come and sit here with a coffee and browse.

DISABILITY ACTION PLAN

This document is now complete and will be submitted to Council for their June meeting and should be printed and available after this. Grateful thanks go to Judith Pabian and Margaret Kilcullen for all their hard work and to the students who attended the Focus Group in January. This was a very important part of the process.

LIBRARY CONTACT PERSON

May Priddle who has been the contact person for students with disabilities will be leaving ANU and I will let you know who her replacement will be when I know. May was very supportive of students and did a great deal towards bringing the library services to people with a disability. She will be greatly missed by students and members of the Disability Advisory Group and we wish her well.

Most of you I hope have found the new location of the Chifley special needs room - near where short loans used to be.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Congratulations to the two 1997 awardees of the Ginninderra Rotary Scholarships to undertake the University preparation Scheme at CCE and our grateful thanks to Ginninderra Rotary for funding a further 3 years of this project. Thanks also to the Canberra Valley Lions Club who are assisting a student with a vision impairment at the School of Music. Other community organisations have provided support to a student who needed a new artificial leg and it is very heartening to see the involvements of the wider community in helping university students with disabilities.

ACT SOCIETY OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ABILITY ACHIEVER AWARD

Congratulations to David Heckendorf an ANU Law student who won the above award for 1996. A cheque was presented to David at a ceremony earlier this year.

NEW GRADUATE HOUSE

This will be commenced later this year near CCE and will be fully accessible with purpose built rooms for students with disabilities.

PHYSICAL ACCESS

If anyone is aware of areas inhibiting access to people with disabilities, please could you contact me ASAP as I am developing a list of problem areas to go to Facilities and Services as part of the Action Plan.

Hope you have a good break and are ready for the winter terms.