Movers and Shakers

We are pleased to announce that registrations for the NZFDIC National Training Conference 2009 - Movers and Shakers - are now open. This year the Conference will be held in Napier on the 18th and 19th May.

As usual, an exciting line up of speakers have been engaged to inform, challenge and delight you. Back by popular demand is Karen Schmidt, one of Australia's most engaging speakers. You will also learn more about the new National Qualification for Disability Information Provision and how this has to be the qualification of choice for anyone involved in providing disability information and advisory services.

Download the Registration Brochure today and register to attend the major disability information event of the year. Places are limited.

New National Qualification

NZFDIC & Careerforce joint statement...

The New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres (NZFDIC) is proud to be associated with Careerforce (Community Support Services ITO Ltd) in piloting the National Certificate in Community Support Services (Disability Information Provision) (Level 4).

This new qualification is now registered on the NZQA framework. NZFDIC and Careerforce are currently finalizing the learning and assessment delivery models which include some exciting innovations as well as workplace based training opportunities.

The qualification is aimed primarily at people already working in the disability and health related sectors whose employers have a Disability Information Advisory Service (DIAS) contract with the Ministry of Health. It will also be useful for people wishing to pursue a career in these sectors.

Disability information consultants provide information on specific conditions, education, employment, legislation, literature, benefits, access, transport and social and recreational services for people with a disability, together with their family/whānau, support people and other health professionals. Disability information consultants also work collaboratively with government departments, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and the general public.

The National Certificate in Community Support Services (Disability Information Provision) (Level 4) is designed to raise the quality of disability information provision. It comprises a set of compulsory unit standards designed to assess a broad range of skills and knowledge about disabilities, advocacy, and the ability to collate, co-ordinate and disseminate information.

People attaining this qualification will be able to provide disability information, advice and support which will empower individuals and promote the choices available to them.

For more information on this exciting new qualification please contact admin@nzdic.org.nz

Consumer Consultation

DISABILITY SERVICES CONSUMER FORUM, HUI AND FONO 2009

“Towards a more flexible disability support system”

The Disability Support Services Group of the Ministry of Health are visiting towns and cities around the country to get feedback from disabled people and their families to help us plan and fund the disability support services that they need.

These meetings provide an opportunity for you to talk to us about the disability support services we fund and to share any ideas you have for the future provision of services.

Please note that these meetings are for disabled people and their families only. We are asking people to register their intention to attend to ensure we have adequate resources available to them.

For a full list of the forums please go to http://www.moh.govt.nz/dsdforum . To register call free on 0800 373 664 or email dsdforum@moh.govt.nz .