Disability Resources Centre | Community

Disability Resources Centre

Phone: +61 3 9671 3000

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Other
• Community
• Disability service
• Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

25.01.2022 Our partners, Friends of the Earths Act on Climate Collective, are working hard to influence the state governments forthcoming climate strategy. The aim is to ensure that no one is left behind as we tackle the climate crisis. Right now FoE is collecting ideas to give the government some direction about what the strategy should include, and without a doubt an improved public transport system that works for everyone should be part of it! Dozens of people have contributed th...eir ideas, if you have a few minutes please add your voice. Here is where to go to participate. (link below) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IdeasForAction #transportforall; #climatecrsis; #lifelonglockdown; #actonclimate

24.01.2022 Some news for public transport campaigners...Today the Victorian government announced a $126 million investment aimed at improving both freight and passenger rail services across the state. This includes $36 million to be spent on maintaining the V/Line Classic Fleet. As yet there is no mention of upgrading the accessible carriages, or ensuring that there are accessible carriages on every single service. We are seeking more information about the proposals but right now this i...s incredibly frustrating news. Here is the link to the announcement: https://transport.vic.gov.au//funding-boost-for-freight-an #DisabilityRights #WeHavePlacesToGo #LifelongLockdown

24.01.2022 Disability Advocacy Resource Unit has developed a new training resource: Advocacy at the Intersections - Working along side LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. There is a great need for service providers to understand the diverse needs of clients, and this helps us do our jobs better. #LGBTQ #TheMoreYouKnow #DisabilityRights

24.01.2022 The Royal Commission is holding a public hearing in Sydney this week (Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st August) to highlight the experiences of people with disabilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Chair, Ronald Sackville AO QC, said We will examine whether, in preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and other entities adequately considered measures to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation o...f people with disability. It is proposed that the hearing will also examine any systemic issues that may have arisen, or been exacerbated, during the pandemic. The hearing is closed to the pubic but it is streamed live on the Royal Commission website. https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au//public-hearing-5

23.01.2022 From our friends at Women with Disabilities Victoria - new resources relating to violence experienced by women with disabilities.

22.01.2022 It's time for DRC’s Annual General Meeting! In addition to all the usual business, we’ve nabbed a very special guest speaker to transition us into our 40th year of operation Senator Jordon Steele-John. He’s humoured us and agreed to talk about ‘what resilience means’ to him, and we can’t wait to hear him speak! If you’re just as excited as we are, you can RSVP here to join us: http://drc.org.au/contact-2/. It all happens NEXT MONDAY, 23 NOVEMBER at 2:30pm. Don’t miss it!

21.01.2022 For those of you who move about the City of Melbourne: The City of Melbourne has asked people with disabilities their views on what needs to be done to make the city more inclusive. Their goal is to make Melbourne one of the worlds most accessible and inclusive cities; to reduce and eliminate barriers in our physical, informational and social environments.... Even though we are not moving around Melbourne much at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can have your say about their draft Disability Access Plan which is open until 5th August 2020. https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/disability-access-

21.01.2022 Whilst Victoria has moved into new levels of restrictions this week, it is important to know that vital services will remain operating. The Victorian Government have advised that community services which are required to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing should continue to be provided. This includes Individual Advocacy for people with disabilities. DRC Individual Advocates are working through the level 4 restrictions Monday-Wednesday 9:30-4:30. ... There is more information about Victorian COVID-19 restrictions at this link. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-co Image: Text reads COVID-19 update for Victorians. There is a blue background. There are three icons which show hands washing, people standing apart and a face with a mask. On the right hand side is a map of Victoria with a yellow location icon pointing to Melbourne. DHHS 24 hour phone number is 1800 675 398

21.01.2022 On #HumanRightsDay, here's a sad reminder that the fight for true equality continues. #DisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice

21.01.2022 From Blue Knot Foundation: If you are living with disability (or are a family member of or caring for a person with disability) and - have experienced abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation - are currently experiencing abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation... - are distressed or anxious about coronavirus - are affected by the Disability Royal Commission You can call the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468. This service operates from: 9am-6pm AEDT Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm AEDT Sat, Sun and public holidays.

20.01.2022 From our friends at AFDO - Australian Federation Of Disability Organisations Please Share: New resources available about sharing your experience of abuse, violence, neglect, or exploitation with the Disability Royal Commission. The new resources include why you should share your story, and how you can share your story.... These resources are available in: English Easy Read First Nations Arabic Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese French Hindi Samoan Spanish Tagalog Vietnamese You can find the resources at: https://tinyurl.com/y8owxe2w #disability #abuse #DisabilityRC #DisabilityRoyalCommission #FirstNations #Indigenous #CALD

20.01.2022 YDAS - Youth Disability Advocacy Service is accepting applications for their Emerging Young Leaders Program. If youre 14-19 years old, live in Victoria and have a disability, the programs for you. Application close Thursday 9 July. Follow the link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EYLPaug20 #DisabilityOpportunity #Growth #YoungLeaders

18.01.2022 CW: #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander people should know the video contains the image and voice of an Aboriginal person who has passed away. Harvey cant pursue his studies in Geelong because he cant guarantee the V/Line train from Warrnambool will include an #accessible carriage each time he needs to travel. Living in #RegionalVictoria with a #disability shouldnt mean youre in #LifelongLockdown. If youre a Victorian with a disability and are affected by #inaccessible public transport, or you want to be part of our campaign to make this system work for everyone #SignUp here: http://drc.org.au/join-transport-for-all/ Because everyone deserves to be part of their community. ABC South West VIC All Abilities Advocacy South West Victoria Ben Carroll MP Luke Donnellan MP

18.01.2022 As part of #RUOKDay, were sharing information about #MentalHealth supports available to Victorians. Below are the 24/7 services available for anyone in crisis. Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline Official - 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au ... MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au OpenArms - 1800 011 046 openarms.gov.au Lifeline - 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au @

18.01.2022 Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria has announced some changes to Taxi services over the three months starting early August in response to COVID-19. The Multi Purpose Taxi Program has increased the subsidy from 50% to 70%. Also, there are new strict cleaning standards for taxis and PPE such as masks, gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided to drivers.... You can read more at the link below.

17.01.2022 Today is #RUOKDay. Now more than ever, its important to reach out to the people in your life and see how theyre coping in these strange times. Of course, #RUOK is only the beginning of a longer conversation. Over the rest of today, well be sharing information about resources and supports available to Victorians struggling with mental health. We are also going to be doing regular mental health posts over the coming weeks to keep the conversation going. If you or someone close to you is in crisis, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467. #MentalHealthMatters #COVID19Aus #LockdownLife

17.01.2022 The Victorian Government wants to know what you think about the next Victorian State Disability Plan. Now's the chance to tell your politicians what really makes a difference to your life. HAVE YOUR SAY: https://www.statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au/victorian-state- CONSULTATION PAPER: https://www.statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au/download_f//399... EASY ENGLISH: https://www.statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au//State_disabili #DisabilityRights #HaveYourSay #NothingAboutUsWithoutUS

17.01.2022 Do you use V/Line services? Our Public Transport Ombudsman knows #accessibility across the V/Line is a problem. Theyve now made it easier for #PeopleWithDisabilities to give feedback on this issue. Instead of going through the complaints process, you can fill out a simple text box by following the link below. The more people who contribute, the better the chance theyll convince decision makers that its time to make #AccessibleTransport a priority! #Link: https://www.ptovic.com.au/imp/systemic-issues/have-your-say #DisabilityRights #AltText #UseYourVoice #PWD

17.01.2022 Our Executive Officer Kerri Cassidy is speaking at the Vic Climate Solutions Forum: The Transport Sector #tonight at 6pm. Act on Climate Vic and Friends of the Earth Melbourne are hosting and have invited DRC specifically because of our long history of transport activism. If you want to join the forum via zoom, register below. These organisations are committed to a social justice model of addressing climate change. They understand it impacts groups differently and are giving space to people with disabilities to make sure climate solutions take our needs into account. This is true solidarity and ally-ship, and we couldnt be more thrilled to be part of imagining a better future for everyone. #ClimateChange #PublicTransport #DisabilityRights

17.01.2022 Thanks to our friends at Deaf Victoria Inc. for this post - weve been discussing this very issue as people in Melbourne Metropolitan and Mitchell Shire will have to wear face masks when in public from midnight tomorrow (Wednesday): MASKS? CLEAR FACE SHIELDS? COMMUNICATE HOW? We know theres a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for deaf and hard of hearing people around the use of masks and the impact on communication. In some situations a face shield may be substituted but this ...is not always possible. So, if youre handy with scissors, a sewing machine and some measuring tape, why not make your own with a clear panel? And if youre a deaf or hard of hearing person in Australia that is making these to sell, please contact us! Wed like to support the Deaf Economy! #DeafEcosystem In the comments weve put a list of resources that show you how to make clear panel masks. **Please note that these masks may not comply with Australian standards and even with a mask there is no guarantee that you cannot spread or catch COVID-19. However, the Victorian Department of Health and Human services have said that even a homemade mask (or other nose/mouth covering like a scarf) can be worn. #MaskUpMelbourne #DeafWithMasks #CommunicationWithMasks Image is of three face masks with clear plastic panel over the mouth. One blue with flowers, one black with white paw prints and yellow elastic and the third with pink and black zigzag pattern. There is a silver ruler, black sharpie pen and purple scissors to the right of the masks.

17.01.2022 #SolidarityAction! As we continue to fight for accessible public transport in Victoria, Greens MP Michael Berkman is pushing the Queensland Transport Minister to commit to full accessibility of the states train stations by 2022. Currently almost half of stations arent. If you have a spare moment sign the petition and spread the word. If other states improve their compliance, the Victorian Government will want to keep up! #DisabilityRights #InaccessibleUnacceptable #WeHavePlacesToGo

16.01.2022 Employment Opportunity for people with disabilities. Disability Resources Centre is managed and staffed by people with disabilities and has promoted Disability Rights for the last 40 years. Our supportive team is small but our impact is big - and we all share a common mission of working together to promote our rights and choices and challenge systems to achieve social and economic inclusion. We are looking for an Individual Advocacy Team Leader to join us. More details can be... found at the link below. https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au//disability-advocate-team-l

16.01.2022 From our colleagues at Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and for anyone who is seeking support, we have a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service available to support all people in Australia to manage the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on their mental health and wellbeing. Funded by the... Australian Government, the free service is available around the clock. It offers easy access to a broad range of support, from online wellbeing tips and self-help tools, to phone counselling and peer-to-peer support. You can access the free service now at bb.org.au/3gWCwIu or speak to a trained mental health professional on 1800 512 348. If youd like to connect with others at any time, please visit our dedicated Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) forum thread available at bb.org.au/3iKjZQd. The thread provides a safe, understanding place to share how you are feeling about the virus outbreak and to offer support to others. Our mental health professionals are available at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) and email (responses within 24 hours). For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

15.01.2022 It's time to wrap up for #2020 and give it a great, big "good riddance" kiss goodbye. We are closed from today and re-open Monday 4 January 2021. If you need support during this time please contact the Office of the Public Advocate (https://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/) or the COVID Disability Info Helpline (https://www.ideas.org.au//the-disability-information-helpl). Wishing you all a happy and restorative holiday season and the very best in 2021.

14.01.2022 This picture says it all. Victorians with disabilities in regional areas are being let down by an #inaccessible system. A huge thank you to Harvey, Athena and Kylie for sharing their stories with us, and to ABC News for shining a light on this important issue. Help us end #LifelongLockdown for Victorians with disabilities. Join our campaign today: http://drc.org.au/join-transport-for-all/. #DisabilityRights #InaccessibleUnacceptable #JoinUs #SocialJustice

14.01.2022 As the Victorian Government extends our State of Emergency, its easy to feel weighed down by loneliness and isolation. This article, written by an epidemiologist, talks about how Quarantine bubbles or #quaranteams can limit risk of exposure to #COVID while addressing loneliness and isolation. This isnt an approach that will work for everyone, but if youre struggling with isolation and have a small group of people you trust nearby, this may be an option to consider.

13.01.2022 In case you missed it, DRCs Executive Officer Kerri joined Raising our Voices to chat about using public transport during Covid-19. You can listen at the link below. #StayHomeStaySafe #TransportForAll #Disability ... https://www.3cr.org.au//using-public-transport-during-covi

12.01.2022 About time Google Maps! Do you use a #wheelchair or #MobilityAid? Have you tried Google Maps new #accessibility feature? Give us your feedback!

12.01.2022 Ways to keep COVID-19 safe on public transport: - Dont travel if you feel unwell - Wear a mask or scarf over your nose and mouth - Keep space between you and other travellers... - Wash your hands You may have noticed many stations and stops now have hand sanitising areas - a good reminder to stop and sanitise when you see them. Remember, if you live in Melbourne or Mitchell Shire that there are only four reasons to leave home: - Shopping for food or other essential items close to home - To provide care giving, or to seek medical treatment - For exercise close to home - Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home #stayhomestaysafe #WashYourHands #TransportForAll

12.01.2022 There are many valid health reasons a person may not wear a mask in public, and we know people are being questioned and even abused by others who dont understand. DHHS has created a page explaining who is exempt from wearing a mask. Theyve also created smart phone and print badges that explain a person is exempt from face covering or to ask others to remove their face coverings if the person is deaf/Deaf or hard of hearing. FACE COVERING INFO & BADGES: https://www.dhhs.vi...c.gov.au/information-people-disability-c EASY ENGLISH PDF: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au//Easy%20English_Do%20I%20have% #COVID19Aus #Victorian #FaceCoveringExemption #MaskExemption

11.01.2022 As we wake up this morning, those of us living in Melbourne Metropolitan area and Shire of Mitchell are facing 6 weeks of further restrictions due to COVID-19. This is a difficult time for us all, we each have our own feelings and concerns. Keep in touch with friends, family and neighbours by phone or online and call someone you trust if you need help. There are services available to people with disabilities. Click this link to find out what services are available. https://w...ww.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-people-disability-c Remember there are four reasons that you can leave home: Shopping for food or other essential items, To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment, For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household), Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home Otherwise, you must stay home. Image: picture of a house with words stay home stay safe.

11.01.2022 Today is International #HumanRightsDay. 72 years ago today the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was a testament to the best of humanity and the loftiest of aspirations, but millions of people still don’t enjoy these fundamental rights. This year’s theme is #RecoverBetter, and encourages us all to keep human rights in mind as we plan to recover from #COVID19. So tell us: what’s your hope for human rights as we move towards #CovidNormal? #StandUp4HumanRights

11.01.2022 We are so excited to be joining the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit Disability and Disaster Resilience Forum today. Couldnt be more timely or more important! #DDRforum #DisabilityRights #DisasterResilience

11.01.2022 NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme wants to know what you think about the new independent assessments scheme. #HaveYourSay below. https://www.ndis.gov.au//access-and-eligibility-policy-ind

11.01.2022 #MoneyForLearning The Australian Disability & Indigenous Peoples Education Fund is once again accepting applications. If youre an Australian with a disability and want to pursue formal or informal education, you can apply to ADIPEF for up to $2,500 to support your learning. Visit www.adipef.org.au to apply. Grants cover a six month period. Applications close 30 September. #Learning #Education #Opportunity #DisabilityRights

10.01.2022 We're excited to announce another speaker for our I am Greta Doco: Panel Discussion this Wed 9 Dec at 6pm! Anja Homburg is the Communications and Engagement Co...ordinator at Disability Resources Centre, a disability advocacy group based in Melbourne. In addition to her work in communications, Anja is a writer and theatre director whose works focus on issues of social justice. She has lived experience with disability and is passionate about ensuring people with disabilities are equipped to navigate the challenges of climate change. RSVP to join the discussion about the intersections of climate change and disability >>> https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/i_am_greta

10.01.2022 Victorians with disabilities can access a COVID-19 test from home: The Call-to-Test service will enable some of our most vulnerable to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) at home with a qualified health clinician. The service will provide access for people who cannot leave home due to injury, mobility or other eligible reasons. Access to the Call-to-Test service will be available to individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and meet the following criteria:... - people with an injury, chronic health issue, or frailty affecting mobility - people with moderate to severe physical or psychosocial disability - people with moderate to severe mental health or behavioural - issues not otherwise classified as a psychosocial disability - carers for a person with moderate to severe disability See the Department of Health and Human Services below for more information. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/call-to-test-covid-19

10.01.2022 Victoria has a new Public Transport Minister, Ben Carroll MP. We heard a rumour that his favourite tv show is #EmployableMe, and we hope its true. He is also Minister for Roads and has just announced a $340 million plan to tackle traffic congestion. As we all know, much of Victorias public transport system remains #inaccessible to people with disabilities, many of whom cannot rely on cars to get around, so we do hope to see a similar commitment to improving our trams, trains, buses and cabs. A sustainable and accessible public transport system that works for everyone is of course key to the future of our ever-growing state. #DisabilityRights #WeHavePlacesToGo #LifelongLockdown

10.01.2022 From our colleagues at Scope: This #RUOK? Day lets pause and chat with a friend or colleague. Right now, its harder than ever for us all mentally to engage with each other, and some are finding the physical and mental isolation a real challenge. R U OK day is a good reminder to check- in on our mates, family and friends, and ask R U OK?... Learn the Key Word Signs to ask R U OK? so that you can talk to people who use #KeyWordSign to communicate. #Scopeaust For more resources visit https://www.ruok.org.au/.

08.01.2022 The NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme has published an open letter to Victorian Participants about COVID-19 supports available. LETTER: https://www.ndis.gov.au//5240-open-letter-victorian-partic COVID-19 INFO FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au//covid-19-people-disabil ... COVID-19 INFO PACK FOR NDIS PARTICIPANTS: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/document/2126 #NDIS #COVID19Aus #Victorian #PWD #CovidSupport

06.01.2022 Today's historic state budget spoke boldly of repair and recovery but held little for those who are longing to see significant changes to the accessibility of our public transport system. Despite forecasts that commuter numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels next year, there is no mention of the upgrade work required to make Melbourne's tram stops level access. One hundred Next Generation trams are to be manufactured in a new facility in the city's north-west but the delivery timeline is unclear. In the regions the Shepparton and Warrnambool line upgrades, already announced in October, have been confirmed.

06.01.2022 Whilst public transport is something that few Victorians are using at the moment, advocacy towards full realisation of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) under the Disability Discrimination Act remains an important issue - not only here but around Australia. The National Inclusive Transport Advocacy Network (NITAN) has a nationwide view of accessible and inclusive transport systems. You can follow and contribute to this conversation over on NITAN...s new Facebook page - link below. #beyondDSAPT #Ihaveplacestogo #lifelonglockdown Image: The National Inclusive Transport Advocacy Network logo which shows a cartoon bus in top left hand corner, a train in the bottom left hand corner and an aeroplane in bottom right hand corner. The words say transport for everyone everwhere.

06.01.2022 Opportunity for your to have your say about Accessible Housing: The Australian Government is currently considering introducing legislation that will require all new housing to be accessible. This is your chance to help change government policy by completing the online survey by 26 August. The survey is anonymous, and your responses will be kept confidential. Any information that you share will not identify you. The survey is being conducted by the Melbourne Disability Instit...ute, who will present the results from the survey in a report to the Australian Government and other publications. The survey should take between 10 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on your speed of reading and typing. The survey should be completed only if you are an adult with a physical disability, or if you are assisting an adult with a physical disability to complete it. You can find the survey at: https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com//SV_ai6nqENSX9jX5AN #Accessibility #AccessibleHousing #Housing #disability See more

04.01.2022 Some good news, from today older Victorians, those with a disability, carers and those with an illness will be able to call for a COVID test, and a tester will visit their home within 48 hours, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos has announced. If you need to book a test the hotline number is 1800 675398, and this is manned 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

03.01.2022 Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Australia, 1 in 3 women will experience physical assault. 1 in 5 women will experience sexual assault. Women with disabilities experience higher rates of both, and struggle even more than others to access justice. Violence of any kind unacceptable, and we can help prevent it by having conversations with those around us about what respect looks like. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence... these services are available 24/7: 1800 RESPECT (National) - 1800 737 732 Live Chat 1800respect.org.au Safe Steps Family Victoria - 1800 015 188 Live Chat safesteps.org.au #orangetheworld #GenerationEquality #SpreadTheWord #DisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice

03.01.2022 We know many people on the #NDIS are worried about the newly announced Independent Assessment scheme. NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme will be holding community and stakeholder information sessions about Independent Assessment in the next few months. To be notified when sessions are confirmed email [email protected].

03.01.2022 #ClimateChange already affects millions of lives. The #DisabilityCommunity needs a plan for a different kind of future. Our Transport Campaign partners Sustainable Cities are hosting a screening of the new documentary I Am Greta tomorrow at 6pm, followed by a panel discussion that includes DRC's own Communications Coordinator Anja Homburg. There's still time to get your tickets, so click below!

02.01.2022 We know that parents with disabilities receive more attention from social services than most, often for no reason outside their disability. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with disability, this extra attention is compounded. Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have been hurt by the system. It's time for a new strategy. #DisabilityRights #AboriginalRights #TorresStraitIslanderRights

02.01.2022 The Australian Government has created the website Head to Health to help people struggling with mental health find online support. Watch the video or visit headtohealth.gov.au to learn more. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Lifeline 13 11 14. #RUOKDay #RUOK #MentalHealthMatters