This issue was edited by Lyn Robinson, Vision Resource Teacher, Statewide Vision Resource Centre.
From: Paul Pagliano
President South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment
I'm sure you will all join with me in sending hearty congratulations to Dr Mike Steer for being awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of today's Order of Australia.
On behalf of SPEVI I would like to sincerely congratulate Mike for his most deserved honour. Mike who is a Life Member of SPEVI received Member (AM) in the General Division, Order of Australia: "For service to Education through the Royal institute for Deaf and Blind Children, and to the promotion of professional standards for vision support teachers in Pacific Island Countries".
This is wonderful news and we are very proud of Mike's achievement.
Australia is to have the first ever blind contestant in a series of Dancing with the Stars. From the program website comes this profile of Gerrard Gosens:
He's climbed Mt Everest, swum with sharks and flown a motor glider around Queensland. In a Dancing With The Stars world first, blind adventurer and three-time paralympian, Gerrard Gosens is about to face his greatest challenge ever when he takes to the dance floor with partner Jessica Raffa.
Gerrard Gosens is recognised as one of the most outstanding people in Australia today.
Congenitally blind, Gerrard became Australia's youngest Guide Dog recipient at age sixteen. Using a laptop computer with speech output to assist his studies, Gerrard achieved an exceptional High School score and gained entrance to the Bachelor of Business Management at Queensland University of Technology. Gerrard's commendable academic achievements are matched by his skill and success at sport.Gerrard lives by the philosophy 'Success is a journey, not a destination', but jokes he has hit many signposts while training for his chosen sport of long distance running. Gerrard has competed in many marathons and has run 2,000 kilometres from Cairns to Brisbane five times to raise money for charity.
Gerrard represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in the team sport of Goalball where the team just missed out on a bronze medal. Goalball is specifically for athletes that are blind or who are vision impaired.
Gerrard decided to return to his former sporting love - distance running and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon (42.2km). Gerrard has gone on to be one of only 60 Australians to be a torch Bearer for the 2008 Olympic Games, and was selected to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games where he competed in the 1500 meters.
Gerrard believes in preparation! During 2003/2004 he spent many weeks at Everest Base Camp and high altitudes in the Himalayas. Gerrard returned to Everest in 2005 and climbed beyond Camp Three (7300m). Gerrard plans to return to Everest, as he aims to be the first congenitally blind person to summit Everest.
Gerrard Gosens also has a head for heights, having three times co-piloted an ultra light motor glider around Queensland to raise funds for charity. His many achievements and his strength and determination to succeed at whatever he does, saw him named Young Queenslander of the Year in 1995, and a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year. Gerrard was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1998 for humanitarian service, and in 2003 received a Centenary of Federation Medal for service to sport.A well sought after conference presenter and after-dinner speaker, Gerrard is presently, Special Projects Manager for 'Vision Australia' and is constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of children who are blind, like his 11 year old daughter, Taylor.
Meanwhile, he is writing a book called "My Eyes had a Wet Nose", which provides an insight into the many unique and entertaining experiences that he has encountered with his guide dogs, Joey, Anchor, Summit, and now Chief. Everything from spending the night with Stevie Wonder, landing his first fulltime job a week out of high school through to pulling off one of Queensland's best ever April Fools Day jokes and competing in the National Tandem Long board Surfing Championships.
Source: http://au.tv.yahoo.com/dancing-with-the-stars/couples/
Vision Australia and the Statewide Vision Resource Centre invite you to spend the day at the Burwood Education Centre learning about the impact of vision impairment on the development of physical and motor skills, and how this knowledge can be used to include students who are blind or vision impaired into your classroom activities. This program aims to provide mainstream Physical Education teachers with practical hands-on experience and understanding. This seminar is also open to visiting teachers, integration aides, and parents of children who are blind or have low vision.
Topics include:
• gross motor development
• teaching strategies
• skills acquisition
• integrated games and activities
• recreation
• competitionParticipants will be taking part in physical activities. Please wear appropriate attire and footwear.
Date: Friday 14 August 2009
Time: 8.45am - 4.00pm
Cost: $50.00 ($15.00 for parents of children with vision impairment)
RSVP: Wednesday 5th August, 2009Provided:
• morning tea and lunch.
• a resource kit with session notes and handouts.
• a certificate of attendance.Venue: Vision Australia Education Centre, 333 Burwood Highway, Burwood Vic. 3125 (Melway Ref 61 D6)
Victoria will see the introduction of a new public transport ticketing system in late 2009/early 2010. Blind Citizens Australia, BCA (in conjunction with the Transport Ticketing Authority, the government department responsible for implementing the system) has put together a work in progress document answering frequently asked questions by members. This document will be updated with the development of the system. You can go to the BCA website to download a word copy of this document at: http://www.bca.org.au/natpol/travel_built_enviro/
Here is a tip from one of our students:
Do one of the following:
1. On the Tools menu, click Customise.
2. Click the Options tab.
3. Select the Large icons check box.
Thanks James for that tip!
Following thirty years involvement in disability advocacy, Frank Hall-Bentick has asked his sisters Lesley and Annette and a group of friends Rae, Lyndall, Cath, Ros and Jody to help him setup and run an education fund for people with disability. Titled the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund (ADIPEF), the fund will assist indigenous and non-indigenous people with disability to participate in both formal and informal education programs through small grants.
Grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning are available.
Eligibility
People with disabilities of any age may apply for any assistance to help with both formal and informal education. While people may need assistance to complete the application, we would like a letter in the person's own words telling us why they want to learn.
Quarterly Deadlines for Applications
• September 30th
• December 31st
• March 31st
• June 30th
To Apply
Send the completed attached application form to Frank Hall-Bentick
ADIPEF Unit 4, 65 York Street Richmond Victoria 3121
Tel: 03 9429 4210
Email: info@adipef.org.au
http://www.adipef.org.au/
Young Blind Citizien’s Victoria has very generously donated a new resource to the SVRC for any student who would like some hair, beauty or fashion tips. Called "Blind Living - Hair, Beauty and Fashion: Tips From Girls to Girls" this booklet is the first in a series of booklets to come out of a project undertaken by Young Blind Citizen’s Victoria. Each chapter contains advice from professionals, tips from blind people as well as information from occupational therapists. Topics covered include: hair, make-up and fashion for girls covering everything from simple techniques to specific product suggestions.
We have a few large print or etext copies to give away to DEECD students so please contact Lyn on 03 9841 0242 at SVRC if you have a student who is interested. Electronic copies are also available for download from the Blind Citizens Australia website at: http://www.bca.org.au/ybcv
Thanks to Amy Baillie - YBCV Vice President, for making this wonderful resource available for our students.
The Visiting Teacher Combined statewide conference was held on Friday 12 June. Judy Maguire, Manager, Student Wellbeing, Western Metropolitan Region welcomed the group and spoke of the challenges of the moving into a new framework for student support services. Peter Gourlay, Education Officer from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission spoke on the topic of "Everyday Rights, Everyday People: using the Disability Standards for Education to support our work". Much discussion ensued after case studies were presented.
The day finished with Maryanne Beanie, author and founder of "in8" on the topic of "Smart organising solutions for busy people". I was so motivated I even put some of Maryanne’s ideas into action by organising my garage over the weekend….well at least it’s a start! Many thanks to the organizers for running such a great day.
This student writing was published in the Keysborough College Newsletter
Tusi of 9D wrote the following creative piece in English with Mr Nickam. Mr Nickam would like to thank the Integration Team for their help also.Harry Potter and the Crimson Forrest
Harry, Ron and Hermione all went to the Crimson Forest to find Mr. Finnegan’s dog Undertaker. They slowly watched every step they were taking before stumbling upon a gigantic homosapien feasting tree. The tree full throttled Harry and pushed Ron and Hermione to the ground. Harry was in a tight choke hold and his face was turning purple. Hermione then cast a Patronus charm on the homosapien tree. "Thank you" Harry painfully spoke to Hermione. "No problems" replied Hermione while hugging Harry. Ron then muttered "I could have done that!"Harry, Ron and Hermione then started searching again. "Undertaker" called out Hermione. A loud howling noise was heard. Ron then started to panic and hid behind Hermione. "I don’t like loud noises" whimpered Ron. Harry ran towards the howling noise, followed closely by Hermione and not long after came Ron. Hermione yelled out, "STOP" to Harry. Harry stopped immediately. He looked down and saw the edge of the cliff one footstep away from him, he then slowly paced back gently because if Harry put one footstep wrong the whole cliff would shatter. Harry put one foot after the other and eventually he made it back with his friends Ron and Hermione.
Harry, Ron and Hermione carried on searching for Undertaker in the Crimson Forest, when they suddenly heard a loud barking noise. Harry carefully walked towards the barking noise and then he spotted Undertaker, but he is locked up in an electric cage and is kept hostage. Hermione wondered, "Who would do this to a little dog?" Harry then stared at a dark figure that was standing next to the cage, "I am Carnivorous Crimson, and I’ve heard all about you Potter" yells Carnivorous Crimson. Ron whispered to Hermione "Carnivorous Crimson looks shocking, he has blood all over his face, ragged dark clothes and stone cold eyes". Hermione agreed with Ron. While staring into the eyes of Carnivorous Crimson Harry asked "Why do you have Mr. Finnegan’s dog?" Carnivorous Crimson relied "Me and Finnegan were the best of friends back in the days, but then Finnegan showed his true colours and brought a dog, I saw that as a threat to our friendship, because he started to forget about me and think more of this stupid dog. So I had no choice but to get my revenge on his loved one and it happened to be his dog. Finnegan might think of me a bit more than he should".
Harry then remembered who he was, "I saw your face in a couple of photos at Mr. Finnegan’s house and on one photo it had an inscription about you" Harry said." What did it say?" excitedly spoke Carnivorous Crimson. "It said, To my best friend Benjamin Carnivorous Crimson Barker, I miss you so much that no dog will ever bring you back and you will be in my heart forever." Harry read out. Carnivorous Crimson was a bit emotional and told Harry "I’m sorry for putting you in this mess, I will give you Finnegan’s dog back, and just one more thing, could I perhaps go with you and your friends back to Hogwarts?" "Yes you can" re-plied Harry.
By Tusi 9D
The archive of Optometric Education is available free, online, starting at vol.1, no.1, 1975.
If you would like to find out more here is the link to the Optometric Education Journal: http://www.opted.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3367
Cracking the Colour Code is an excellent documentary series about colour. Recently screened on SBS television the documentary is based on three years research and draws on a range of disciplines and interviews with leading experts including physicists, neurologists, artists, colour consultants, historians, artisans and marketing executives. The first part of the series has a detailed account of the physics of light and how the eye and brain work to perceive colour. Colour blindness is also discussed in some detail and there are some good simulations of different types of colour vision in both humans and animals.
You may have missed the series but the DVD is available for $24.95 from the SBS shop or Dymmocks. More information is available from the SBS website at:
http://www.sbs.com.au/shop/product/category/DVDs/182/Cracking-the-Colour-Code#overview
There is currently a review of the Disability Parking Permit Scheme. With many different jurisdictions administering the scheme across Australia the aim of the review is to have a uniform scheme in all states and territories. The Australian Government is seeking community feedback about the proposed Australian Disability Parking Scheme. The scheme aims to provide a new permit that is recognised across Australia and improved rules around its use.
How can I take part?
You can attend a public information session or fill in a submission form which is attached to the discussion paper. To download a copy of the discussion paper and the submission form visit
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/disability_parking_scheme/Pages/default.aspxIt is essential to RSVP if you want to attend an information session which will take place in all capital cities and major towns. Contact 1800 630 740, 1800 555 677 (TTY)
Alternative versions of the discussion paper are available from the call centre in Easy English, on CD, in Braille or in another language.
Completed submissions can be emailed to accessparking@fahcsia.gov.au or post it to:
Australian Disability Parking Scheme submissions (East Wing)
FaHCSIA
PO Box 7576,
Canberra Business Center,
ACT, 2610
Submissions must be received by 5pm AEST Friday 31 July 2009
The Opening Ceremony of the 2009 Australian Paralympic Youth Games will be held on Monday 5th October 2009 at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.The Games are open to young athletes with a physical or sensory disability aged 20 years or younger (as at 31 December 2009).
The Sport Competitions for the Games have now been finalised, with the following seven sports represented:
• Athletics
• Wheelchair Basketball
• 7 a side Football (Cerebral Palsy)
• Handcycling
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Wheelchair TennisThe official website for the 2009 Australian Paralympic Youth Games is currently under development. In the meantime, Games related information can be found on the Wheelchair Sports Victoria website by going to
http://www.wsv.org.au/events/australian-paralympic-youth-games.html
For more information, please contact the 2009 Australian Paralympic Youth Games office at Wheelchair Sports Victoria as follows:
Phone: (03) 9473 0133
Email: gwarnecke@wsv.org.au
Fax: (03) 9473 0134
Mountbatten brailler - education pack pro available for sale at the unmissable price of $2000.
New in 2008.Includes Mimic and Monty software. Please phone Deb Lewis at SVRC on 03 9841 0242 for details.
Review of typing program from Denise Probert
This typing program is on the new (February) laptops. The new laptops come with TUX typing under the ICT folder. A penguin called Tux (tuxedo get it ?) stands in various snowy environments either catching and eating fish which are labelled with letters, or in sets of words before they fall in a lake, or he defends his city from flaming comets of letters and words. It’s a lot of fun; it's in large print and requires scanning skills to scan the sky. Don't start it late at night because it's very addictive. The school technician should be able to put it onto laptops.
Date: Monday, June 22, 4.30pm until about 6.30pm
Venue: Guide Dogs Victoria, Centre for Vision Independence
Address: Level 5, 100 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne
Parking: BE CAREFUL! There are clearways from 4pm at front of building but parking over the road, in commercial carparks (for $$), or Parliament Station nearby.
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
Come and see for yourself this terrific new facility set up by Guide Dogs in association with the Eye & Ear Hospital. Orthoptists, Natasha and Jane will show us around.
Learn more about the services and programmes offered by the Children’s Mobility Service at an information evening to be held at the Flockhart Hall in Kew at 7.00 PM on Thursday 23rd July 2009.You can call Lisa Brown on (03) 9854 4467 to find out more.
Brailling aide needed
Cheltenham East PS is looking for an integration aide to work with a brailling student in Year 3. They will need someone 2 days a week this term and three days a week next term, working up to full-time for 2010. If you know of anyone, please contact Marion Blazè on 9841 0807Last chance to add to our children's book - Bushfire Appeal
As you know, we are collecting secondhand children's books in good condition for families who lost their homes in the Kinglake fires in February. The collection will be delivered to Middle Kinglake PS at the end of this term, so this is your final reminder to clean out your own children's surplus books for a good cause. Just bring them in to SVRC as soon as you can. Thanks!Staff
Like most workplaces at this time of year we have a few staff on sick leave with seasonal ailments -we wish them a speedy recovery. Dianne is recently back from a week’s leave where she actually found time to relax in front on an open fireplace and Sue is enjoying her annual trip to sunny north Queensland.
Thanks to Tricia d'Apice, Jeni Blake, Lea Nagle, Denise Probert, Marion Blazè and Deb Lewis for contributing to this edition of The Bulletin. Many thanks to everyone who helped to collate, proof read and mail this bulletin to our readers.
Don’t forget we appreciate your input.
Lyn Robinson-who can be emailed at lynrobin@svrc.vic.edu.au
Top
Home