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 .

Call For Speakers

It's that time again folks! The Annual NZFDIC Training Conference will be held in Napier in May 2009. We invite anyone wishing to present at the Conference to register their interest NOW!

The theme of the Conference is "Movers and Shakers!" in recognition of how Napier moved on from the huge earthquake that affected the area in 1931.

For more details please download the Call for Speakers document and Register with Vicki by the 5th December.

www.nzfdic.org.nz/speakers.pdf

Feddies Riding for Catwalk!

CatWalk’s Conquest Tour ~ “Conquering Freedom” 29 October-13 November 2008

The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Trust is giving 17 individual wheelchair users the opportunity to raise funds for research into a cure for spinal cord injuries while participating in a national motorbike tour. The 17 individuals will be riding a high performance motorcycle specially designed and manufactured for wheelchair users to experience the ultimate freedom of riding directly from their wheelchairs.This event will give wheelchair users the opportunity to again feel the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle ~ the rush, the sound and the bugs on the visor! Something that they all thought would never be possible since their accidents.All funds will go towards spinal cord injury research and changing the future that will improve the quality of life for SCI victims.

We have two Federation members participating in the fundraiser. John Marrable, Information Consultant at the Dunedin Disability Information Centre and Anita McKenzie, Trustee of DRC Southland and DRC Queenstown will both be riding in the event.

You can help these 'easy riders' by sponsoring their ride. Simply go to:
www.fundraiseonline.co.nz click sponsor a friend and enter John Marrable or Anita McKenzie.

If any other Feddie Centre members are participating please let us know!

Victory in access case

A Southland man has become the first disabled person to take an access case to Determination by the Department of Building and Housing. Changes to the Building Act in 2004 meant that for the first time disabled people could take action where they saw their rights to access under the Act being breached. In this case it was the Southland District Council who issued a building consent for a public viewing platform and then allowed it to be built without wheelchair access to all levels! Read the story here: http://drcsouth.blogspot.com/2008/09/southland-man-wins-access-case.html

Snow Sport Fan

Mike Hamill down in Invercargill is the kind of guy who will give most things a go and his latest adventure involved heading up to the Cardrona Skifields near Wanaka. With the help of a specially adapated Bi-Ski and some friendly instructors Mike was soon doing what other new skiers do - falling over! He eventually got the hang of it and is now a big fan of snow sports!

You can read Mike's story over on the Capabilities blog:

http://drcsouth.blogspot.com/2008/09/mikes-big-day-out.html

Way to go Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!