WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 271 - 21/12/11

Hello!

My apologies for this late newsletter – our IT system experienced problems on Thursday and Friday last week!

The last newsletter for 2011 starts with access information for the Sydney Festival and the Belvoir Street Theatre, and invitation to watch the NSW state titles for boccia or an art exhibition at The Rocks, participate in a film in Melbourne, check access for people with vision impairment, and enrol in a TAFE course for youth with Aspergers.  The Young Carers NSW now has a Facebook page, and there is an online TEA room for teens with epilepsy.  Australian Hearing Services are extended from age 21 to 26, and there is a new online tool for carers of people with mental illness.  The Black Dog Institute has a writing competition for carers, and there are tips for carers of someone with dementia.  The Sydney Child Psychology Centre has some programs during the holidays, and there is some information about closures during the 2011 year-end.

Financial matters include three positions (craft facilitator in Warriewood, policy officer and family support worker in Ryde), and the Garden Grants program.  Resources include presentations from two conferences, a report on Disability in Australia, and publications on community care.  A useful website reviews the suitability of many films and movies for children and youth, the free Go Play App and a booklet from the Autism Association present activities occurring in the holidays.  Two programs provide transport assistance for people aged 4-5 and older, and Fishabout has a wheelchair-friendly fishing boat plus half-price DVDs.  The section ends with the Suicide Call Back Service and unique accommodation for elderly parents and their adult children with disabilities.

Relationships Australia and IFP present educational groups and seminars in 2012, and the initial Program for Person-Centred Champions is being offered.  Mature adults aged 60-75 can apply for free mental health courses online.  Conferences address criminal justice and intellectual disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome, mental health at all ages, and working with people who self-abuse.  NDS NSW and ACOSS are holding conferences in February and March 2012 respectively. 

Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!  The next newsletter will be sent on 4 January 2012.

Best wishes for a restful and invigorating transition between 2011 and 2012

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.