Western Sydney University Disability Collective in Milperra | College & University

Western Sydney University Disability Collective

Locality: Milperra

Address: 2 Bullecourt Avenue 2214 Milperra, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.westernsydney.edu.au

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24.01.2022 A huge congratulations to our new representatives for the 2020-2021 term! There are still two positions available that we will be re-opening the EOI process for in the coming weeks. These are: - Engagement Officer... - General Representative Please note that all representative positions are for identified students with disability and/or medical conditions as well as student carers. We unfortunately had to turn away some nominations during this nomination period due to not meeting that stringent criteria.

24.01.2022 Morning All, Just a little note that AIPs for the Spring/2H session should have reached your email today. If this is not the case or your AIP needs adjustments please get in touch with your disability advisor. Vicky-Rae DC Secretary

22.01.2022 IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!! WSU Disability Collective is currently looking for it's next round of representatives for the July 2020 - June 2021 term. We are currently looking for people such as your lovely selves to fulfill the roles of Equity Collective Secretary, Engagement officer, as well as 3 General Representatives (Role descriptions in comments).... If this sounds like you, APPLY NOW on Western Life at http://au.cglink.me/s488 Applications close 11:39PM June 14th, 2020.

22.01.2022 Hi everyone, Wondering if you or any of your contacts may be interested and suitable for this project. I have been approached by Reframing Autism and Positive Partnerships (PP) who are working together to produce new film clips for their workshops. They are looking for NSW Autistic families who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community to video to produce some beautiful content that is respectful and will be sensitive and positive and gorgeous. This project will be facilitated ...by Dr Emma Goodall (at PP) and Dr Melanie Heyworth (Reframing Autism). They recognise that it is a lot to ask, especially in the current climate, but looking for NSW families (ideally between Sydney and Newcastle) who have Autistic children under around 25 years of age, who would be willing to be filmed and to have their experiences and stories with school or post-school transition, their identities, family, community inclusion, friendships etc told. It might be the child who is LGBTQIA+, or the parents/carers, or both: we are just wanting to make sure we capture this community, and have adequate representation. They will make sure that each familys privacy is respected, messages are on point, and the families are fully supported at every step (following COVID-safe practices of course). They are happy to work directly with the Autistic person to understand how they might feel most comfortable to be included. Details: Timeline looking to do the filming in the next month or so, but could push it out to mid-October if needed to. Remuneration - $50 per family per hour, up to a maximum of $500 per family. Plus provide catering on the film day, and a support worker/carer to support on film day if required. Filmed in person (usually at someones home) to ensure the quality of the footage. The videos will be used in the PP educational suite, but they may be used elsewhere too PP are looking for material that can be used in a variety of ways so people would need to be comfortable with a reasonably wide distribution. What are your thoughts and might you know any people interested? Contact Renee at [email protected]

21.01.2022 The Cross-Campus Equity Network consisting of members of the SRC as well as Disability, Environment, Ethnocultural, Wom*ns, Queer Collectives held their first meeting for the 2020-2021 term last week where a number of important issues were discussed relating to the current geopolitical climate. We welcome comment from the student body in relation to these issues and would like to release the minutes from this meeting for transparency. Vicky-Rae Cross-Campus Equity Network Convener & DC Secretary

21.01.2022 Your SRC Campus Reps have collaboratively prepared a short survey in hopes of gaining better understanding on how we can improve your student experience both online and on campus when we return. We would really appreciate it if you were able to take a minute of your time to provide some feedback, suggestions or take the opportunity to raise any issues on your campus that we may be able to assist you with. We also greatly encourage you to reach out to your reps should anything... arise in the future help us help you! You can access the survey on WesternLife at https://au.cglink.me/s957 Contact details for Campbelltown, Penrith, Parra City, Parra South and Bankstown reps are provided, however if you are a student from another campus or an Online student, please do not hesitate to shoot us an email or message, or complete the survey regardless. Complete the survey before 12th December 2020 and go into the running to win up to $1000 in prizes!

21.01.2022 How many of you have found this a constant fight during covid-19?

20.01.2022 It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Western alumni, Naomi, with the help of her organisation have created a short 2 minute clip on how accessibility benefits EVERYONE. For my socially conscious friends, you'll see accessibility ties in with the Sustainable Development Goals. Particularly: SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth... SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals See more

20.01.2022 Inspired by central Victorian James-Anthony Consiglio, who posted a few weeks ago, hoping the people might learn the sign for 'smile' to help those in the deaf ...community. The ABC partnered with Expression Australia to create this video. You might not realise this, but masks have made it especially hard for the Deaf community to read people during COVID. Expression Australia have kindly given us some basic Auslan signs we all should learn

19.01.2022 ATTENTION STUDENTS! Your fellow peer Amy Nye is aiming to raise $500 to help people with a disability! Please get behind her and make a donation to sponsor her efforts as she takes on this challenge to allow these kids to get the support they need to give them the best chance at life.... All funds raised will support services at Aruma to change the lives of people and families living with a disability. Donate here: https://www.theboldmove.com.au/fundrai/amynye/the-bold-move

18.01.2022 Exams coming up and you have privacy concerns about WSU using ProctorU? WE HEAR YOU!! Western SRC Representatives have already sent emails to the VC and Vice President Academic on your behalf to voice these concerns. Let's show them the exact number of students that want to say this is not OK by signing the petition below

18.01.2022 Hi All! NUS have created a survey for the open letter about the changes to HECs. The Open letter text is in the form. Please share this with your collectives, Student Unions/Guilds/Associations/Representative Councils - it's open to all disabled students/student with disabilities, as well as organisations or groups that represent those (Including SRCs). The more people signing on to it in support, the better.... To sign please go to : https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSe_-99l7S6BKG4IQI/viewform

18.01.2022 Did you know that every four days in Australia a baby is born with Cystic Fibrosis? It is a life-altering condition that impacts on every aspect of the lives of patients and their families. Today is 65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis Australia. We wish to extend our support to all of the members of our WSU community with CF. Please reach out to us if we can provide support and help to enhance your university experience If you would like to donate to CF Australia, please follow the link below: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/donate

18.01.2022 Hey Western Students! Your new SRC has officially commenced their term from July 1, and our number one priority is to find out what WSU students actually want. ...Our purpose as the SRC is to represent the interests of ALL students at Western Sydney University, and to do that we need to hear from YOU! Weve put together a Student Feedback Survey, and we need you to fill it out! We need your friends studying at WSU to fill it out! We need your dog to fill it out - haha kidding unless? Because surveys suck and the university has already asked students to complete exactly one thousand of them this semester, we figured wed need to offer something to students who do complete it. This year has been rough and finances even rougher, so the SRC will be giving out GiftPay gift cards to three students drawn at random. How much are the gift cards? we hear you ask. 1 x $500 gift card 1 x $150 gift card 1 x $50 gift card GiftPay gift cards can be spent at a huge number of places - including Uber Eats. So get on it! Fill out the survey and let us know your thoughts - the more brutally honest, the more useful itll be in guiding our priorities! To be eligible for these prizes you must: 1. Complete the entire survey obviously 2. Enter a valid student email address at the end Only one entry will be considered per student/student email. So what we're saying is, jump on the link, complete the Student Feedback Survey, let us absolutely have it with your thoughts, feelings, opinions, suggestions and go in the draw to straight up win a $500 gift card. Entries will be drawn Friday 24th of July, so you may as well get on it before Spring semester starts (which is July 20th for those of you who have been avoiding looking at your emails/calendars/planners/trying to enjoy that sweet, sweet study break!) SURVEY LINK: https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com//SV_6PWtKsF

17.01.2022 We stand with the SRC on their statement regarding ProctorU

16.01.2022 Aboriginal deaths in custody and hearing loss : consider for the facts

15.01.2022 We in the Disability Collective understand the difficulties that the students of Western Sydney University are facing during the Covid-19 crisis. It is a difficult time, especially for students in isolation who have not had a support network in place due to varying circumstances. Whilst there are many supports out there to help us all through this current crisis there are still many things that could be done to help alleviate the pressures on the most vulnerable of our commun...ity. It has recently been posted on the SRC Facebook page about distribution of food hampers for those that are struggling to afford the most basic of items. Myself as the SRC DIsability Representative elect and the current SRC Representative Vicky-Rae Renier-Clark DO NOT endorse the current hamper that has been proposed. We do not believe it is sustainable for a student to use as a basic food package nor does it provide adequate base nutrition as it appears to be solely carbohydrate based. We suggest that if students are experiencing difficulty with adequate food provision that they get in contact with Campus Life or Student Services who are currently distributing care packages and other means of welfare to students for this purpose. We wish all students take care of themselves and each other during the COVID-19 crisis, and good luck with your studies. If there is anything else that we may be able to assist with please free to send a message to the Disability Collective. Robert Reed SRC Disabilities Elect

15.01.2022 This week Western Sydney University students became aware that Professor John Whitehall, an academic at Western Sydney University, is set to speak on an Australian Christian Lobby panel regarding conversion therapy in June. We note his panelist entry lists him as a Professor of Paediatrics at Western Sydney University. We also note the disclaimer that he does not represent the views of Western Sydney University and question why, if this is the case, he has listed the institut...Continue reading

15.01.2022 Evening All, Just forwarding on the information from WSU Student Parent Union surrounding pre-allocation for the Spring/2H session. I'm sure this would undoubtedly help during these times Dear all, In order to alleviate some of the stress that comes from tutorial allocation, and after some expert lobbying, the university has enabled pre-allocation to occur for parents....Continue reading

14.01.2022 Good news! The NSW government has just extended funding for #disability #advocacy organisations for a further 6 months to June 2021. Access to independent #adv...ocacy is essential in supporting people with #disability to protect their rights and participate fully in community. It's important that people with #disability know that independent advocacy will always be there when it’s needed. We now look to the government to continue to show their support and ensure that a long term commitment to adequately funding vital #advocacy services is a key part of the upcoming budget on Nov 17. #standbymeNSW #advocacymatters Gladys Berejiklian Gareth Ward People with Disability Australia Stroke Recovery Association Council for Intellectual Disability Physical Disability Council of NSW Disability Advocacy NSW musculardystrophynsw IDRS Mdaa Mdaa FPDN Seven Spirit COTA New South Wales NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS

14.01.2022 TIME IS RUNNING OUT!! WSU Disability Collective is currently looking for it's next round of representatives for the July 2020 - June 2021 term. We are currently looking for people such as your lovely selves to fulfill the roles of Equity Collective Secretary, Engagement officer, as well as 3 General Representatives.... If this sounds like you, APPLY NOW on WesternLife at http://au.cglink.me/s488 Applications close 11:39PM June 14th, 2020. Roles and Responsibilities of the Equity Collective Secretary: Communications of the Collective Convening meetings of the Collective or Equity Collectives Working Group (where applicable) Undertaking the creation of agendas and minutes Answering general enquiries Assist the SRC Equity Representative with the application of budget requests Assist the SRC Equity Representative with the onboarding of new representatives to the Collective Act as proxy for SRC Equity Representative (when applicable) Assist with the in-house facilitation of Collective elections Roles and Responsibilities of the Engagement Officer: Creation and implementation of campaigns (ideas, slogans. etc.) Creation and implementation of promotions Creation and implementation of competitions Creation of print and social media collateral such as blogs and newsletters Research of merchandising and advertising products Cross-campus engagement and on-site attendance in the form of events, workshops and other activities Roles and Responsibilities of the General Equity Officer: To partner with the Representative Assistant and Engagement Officer for the facilitation and execution of campaigns, events, and other requirements To serve as a point of campus contact for the Equity Collectives Other roles or tasks as necessary

13.01.2022 The Disability collective invites you to complete it's Student Satisfaction Survey.. The purpose of completing this survey will permit Disability Collective representatives to: evaluate the accommodations and services that are provided by Disability Services and Western Sydney University;... Understand the needs and challenges of students with disabilities and/or medical condition; and Address any areas of ongoing concern concern regarding WSU and it's use of ProctorU during COVID19 Please note: This survey will not impact the accommodations and services that you receive at WSU. Your identifying student information will only be used to contact you if more information is required in regards to your situation or to assist in further advocacy. The survey will be available on WESTERN Life from August 22nd til midnight September 12th Your assistance and participation is greatly valued. Survey link: http://au.cglink.me/s724

12.01.2022 Many thanks to a member who has brought these items to our attention for those that are hearing impaired but are still required to wear a mask. These are available for sale for $4 each at RubyJam Fabrics by following the following link https://www.rubyjam.net/collections/mask-supplies The WSU Disability Collective is in no way affiliated with RubyJam Fabrics and does not benefit in anyway from the sale of these items.

12.01.2022 The National Disability Coordination Officer Program are redesigning a website to help students with a disability get ready for university. We are seeking some feedback from past and current students with a disability on what was helpful when they started university. For example l found visiting the university prior the semester starting helpful so l could familiarise myself with where the classes and lectures were, when there weren't as many people present, which helped wit...h my anxiety. Please click the link below to provide your advice and tips. Please note that whatever is sent will be de-identified on the website, guarenteeing that your privacy is assured. Thank you in advance,

11.01.2022 World Asthma Day (WAD) (May 5, 2021) is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA) (www.ginasthma.org), a World Health Organization collaborative organization founded in 1993. WAD is held each May to raise awareness of Asthma worldwide. WHO recognizes that asthma is of major public health importance. According to WHO, it was estimated that more than 339 million people had Asthma globally (1) and there were 417,918 deaths due to asthma at the global level in 2016. ...(3, 4) Although asthma cannot be cured, it is possible to manage asthma to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, also called episodes or exacerbations.1 This year’s World Asthma Day theme is Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions. The theme provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that prevent persons with asthma from enjoying optimal benefit from the major advances in the management of this condition. Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include: - Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age. - Asthma is infectious. - Asthma sufferers should not exercise. - Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids. The Truth is: - Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults and elderly) - Asthma is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. Or In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts adulthood is less often allergic. - When asthma is well controlled, asthma subjects are able to exercise and even perform top sport. -Asthma is most often controllable with low dose inhaled steroids

10.01.2022 The Australian Government has released the COVIDSafe app to help further flatten the curve and keep YOU safe whilst in isolation. Here's all you need to know!

10.01.2022 Hey Western Sydney Uni pals, Undergraduate Senate Rep, Hollie Hammond has passed on a couple of updates following this morning's Academic Senate meeting: 1. WSU has reduced invigilated exams for Spring semester, with only 10% of exams held to be invigilated (in line with accreditation). It was confirmed that students will be advised as to which units will be invigilated ahead of census. This forms part of a larger body of work underway around alternate assessments and the rol...e of formal exams within the university. 2. WSU is investigating the data leaks surrounding ProctorU and other companies, and the results of this investigation will determine the university's decision on whether or not to engage with ProctorU for invigilated exams this semester. 3. Students who are to sit an invigilated exam but do not agree to ProctorU's (or an alternate company) Terms of Service have the capacity to apply for a deferred exam, citing this as their reason. This has not been widely made known, however it is a legitimate option (I myself will be sitting one of these deferred exams from last semester on Tuesday). 4. The GPA Neutral (non-graded pass) scheme will remain in place for Spring semester. 5. The Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty (after census) and repeat failed classes at no extra cost will also be repeated for Spring semester, however repeating at no additional cost will only be available to commencing students for one unit. 6. The VC, along with other VCs, has been in discussion with the Minister for Education regarding the proposed higher education reforms. He noted that modelling suggests the change to both funding and costs of courses incentivises universities to increase the number of Humanities (etc) students to make up the difference, and that this would actually lead to a reduction of STEM and Health students (of course this is ironically the opposite of what the reform is apparently intended to achieve). The VC says this is unacceptable, and that he will continue to make this case strongly to the Commonwealth, as well as in conversations with Opposition leaders. This reform is currently being debated in the Senate. Thanks Hollie!

08.01.2022 Awesome news! Protect yourselves where you can

08.01.2022 Fantastic to see ex-Paramatta South Disability Officer and Western Alumni, Elie Antonios, lending his voice to the nature of the world of work for people with disability. Great work Elie!

08.01.2022 Today is #WorldLupusDay, and we support the 5 MILLION people living with #lupus, a disease that can affect any organ in the body including the heart, kidneys, lungs, skin and more. It occurs in people of all ages, races, ethnicities and genders. Please re-share. #MakeLupusVisible

08.01.2022 Executive members of the Disability Collective thank the WSU Labor Club for the opportunity to meet with MP Tanya Pilbersek tonight via Zoom to discuss the proposed restrictions to HECS and the fee hikes for students studying the Humanities. During these conversations, questions were raised surrounding the consideration of students with mental health considerations and disability in the formulation of these proposed restrictions by the Morrison Government. Tanya responded t...o this query with compassion stating that it is in her opinion that the Morrison Government proposed these cuts to HECS and proposed fee hikes to hurt those students with mental health concerns and disabilities as they already have enough to worry about without having to focus on when the census date is rolling around not to incur an academic and/or financial penalty. She empathises that these restrictions are not fair and encourages students to speak up to their government representatives and universities about the financial and personal impacts that these proposed measures are imposing on the student body. In addition, she also added that these restrictions proposed by the Morrison Government are not by accident, as they wish to make universities elitist and intellectually impovished. The Disability Collective will be in touch with Tanya again in the coming weeks to further discuss the bill and we thank her for her time and passion in assisting students with disability and medical condition to have a voice surrounding this unjust bill proposed by the Morrison Government. #KillTheBill

08.01.2022 Thankyou to everyone that has put in a nomination in the recent elections. We're just having to do a few checks then we can announce the positions that ran uncontested.

08.01.2022 Evening All, I am happy to inform you that I am running in the election for Undergraduate Representative in the Multi-Disciplinary Teaching and Learning Committee for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Cluster. The voting opens tomorrow, 10th June 2020,with the BigPulse voting link available in your student email. I hope you can support me in this election with your vote so I can better represent you as a student in this space. Thank you! Vicky-Rae... SRC Disabilities See more

07.01.2022 NSW Police Force posted a photo today implying there is no good reason not to wear a mask... So we fixed their post! If you can, WEAR A MASK! But of you can't, please know, we see you! We understand and will stand with you (from 1.5 metres away). If someone around you isn't remember to be kind. You never know what is going on in background someone else's life.... Social distancing and good hand wasking and hygiene habits are still effective in the fight against COVID-19

05.01.2022 Would you support a move of the collective from one officer per campus which often leaves gaps in representation if alot of people want to nominate from the same campus to that of an Equity Rep Assistant, Engagement Officer and 3 General Representatives to maximise representation and engagement across the collective as campus location is not a requirement of eligibility to hold a representative position?

05.01.2022 SOMETHING I DIDN'T KNOW I NEEDED IN MY LIFE. I literally teared up when I found these. Here is a series of six Disney Princesses with their service dogs!! Each ...description will be attached to each photo!! I made it public so it is sharable!! This lovely art is by Arien Smith!! You can follow Arien at... https://www.themajorbarkana.com https://www.facebook.com/TheMajorBarkana/ https://www.facebook.com/royalservicedogs/ See more

04.01.2022 The DC team would like to acknowledge that this week traditionally would of been NAIDOC week, however due to C-19 and the associated risks involved with community gatherings, NAIDOC week has been postponed to 8th- 15th November this year. However Aboriginal Corporations and NGOs are still performing flag raisings, ritual and ceremony in honour of this week. Keep an eye out in your social media feeds for lives of the ceremonies that are being broadcast as these are for eve...ryone to take part. (search up your local lands council or cultural meeting place- they are on socials) In light of this - please also take a little time to consider the Aboriginal and Islander Nations this week and the continued fight against systemic injustices. We would also like to take this opportunity to point out that injustice includes language and the way in which it is used- and that language also includes the written word. We ask that when you are referring to Indigenous people, be it either the use of Aboriginal, First Nations or Indigenous, to remember that it is offensive and somewhat degrading to not capitalise the first letter of the word. This is also the case if you are referring to a Nation or Mob by the Tribal name, ie Yorta Yorta, Bundjalung, Kamilori and so on.. By not capitulating these terms you are continuing systemic oppression- sit and think about why it is that words like Britain America and Australia would be written in capitals and why it was not the case for First Nations ? Post edit* people of Indigenous decent are free to call themselves what ever they wish - this is about Non-Indigenous peoples addressing those who are Indigenous.

04.01.2022 It's that time of the year again... ELECTIONS! WSU Disability Collective is currently conducting it's second round of nominations for representatives for the July 2020 - June 2021 term. We are currently looking for people such as your wonderful selves to fill the roles of Engagement officer, as well as one General Representative.... So, if advocating for accessible learning environments and inclusive events is something you are passionate about, APPLY NOW through Western Life at http://au.cglink.me/s520 Please note these are representative roles for students with identified disability and/or medical condition as well as student carers. Nominations close by 11:59pm Friday June 26, 2020 Voting commences 12:00am Saturday June 27th and closes 11.59pm Tuesday June 30th. Results announced following checks..

02.01.2022 Are you interested in connecting with employers, industry experts, and alumni to learn about your career options? Join us for the online Pathways to Employability series which is open to all university students who have access requirements due to disability and/or chronic health condition. The aim of the Pathways to Employability series is to provide students with information, knowledge and career development strategies to undertake successful transitions from university to a...ppropriate and meaningful employment. When: Every Wednesday from 26 August to 30 September 2020 Time: 11am 12pm AEST Where: Online This free event is open to ALL university students with disability and/or chronic health condition throughout Australia, and will give you the opportunity to learn from a keynote presentation on neurodiversity in the workplace, join an employment Q&A panel on diversity and inclusion, access career resources, and attend a virtual careers fair. Registrations are now OPEN, so be sure to book in nowat https://national_disability_coordination_officer_sydney.for to save your place! We look forward to welcoming you online! The Pathways to Employability Committee (For more information please contact [email protected])