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!!!!!!!!!!!!

Touch Compass 2008 Season: extraordinary dance not to be missed

World-renowned integrated dance company Touch Compass will present two spectacular new dance/theatre works from 1 to 4 October 2008 at Auckland’s Maidment Theatre.

Founded in 1997 by dancer and choreographer Catherine Chappell, Touch Compass is a unique New Zealand dance company in which dancers with and without disabilities work together to create inspirational and thought provoking dance shows.

Winner of four tempo˚ awards in 2007, Touch Compass this year returns to the tempo˚ New Zealand Festival of Dance for a strictly limited season with two new works that have been two years in the making.

The season’s works are Harmonious Oddity, a stunning dance/theatre work by Pedro Ilgenfritz and Catherine Chappell, and Grotteschi, a powerful duet by Suzanne Cowan.

“Dreamlike and challenging, Harmonious Oddity bridges subconscious and conscious realities, featuring surreal, Fellini-esque scenes played out live on stage and on film. Dancers perform not only on their feet, but also on wheels and suspended in mid-air in a wacky and humorous work that will transport you into another realm,” says Touch Compass Artistic Director Catherine Chappell.

“Grotteschi explores the myth of the classical body and grotesque body, how each contains the other, and how they ultimately transcend any categorisation.”

Joining the company this year are Brazilian actor, theatre director, playwright, lecturer, and physical theatre expert Pedro Ilgenfritz, and lighting designer Jenny Pullar whose work includes designs for 191 different productions in 12 countries.

What: Touch Compass 2008 Season
Where: Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred Street, Auckland
When: 8pm, 1 to 4 October 2008
Cost: A reserve $35
B reserve $30
Unwaged/Group $25
Concessions $20
Child (up to 18 years) $15
Bookings: Phone 308 2383 or visit www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz from 8th August
Website: www.touchcompass.org.nz


For further information, please contact: Donald Holder
Media consultant
09 627 4486
021 241 0448
donald@donaldholder.co.nz

“Touch Compass is great theatre, great dance, and real succour for the soul.”
Bernadette Rae, NZ Herald 2001

“One rarely encounters such prolonged and heartfelt applause.”
Jennifer Shennan, Dominion Post 2007

Sponsorship Workshops

Via my Aussie contacts I have received info on some Sponsorship Workshops to be held in Auckland and Wellington in September. The speaker is Julian Moore – truly a Mister Munny in the sponsorship world in the UK and now taking Aussie by storm! The cost is $299 per workshop and there are two on the day. That is Aust $ so works out at around $NZ365 x 2 = $730ish. But wait... there's more!

If you book before the 31st July you can get 3 for the price of 2 and there are flexible options on using this deal too! Check out the details on the website:

http://www.membershipsolutions.net.au

If you want to find out about "Sponsorship Offers - Creating High Value Proposals for Sponsors at Low Cost. Increase your income, decrease your costs" and "Sponsorship Sales - Gaining and Retaining Your High Value Sponsors. Identify New Sponsors and Close the Deal." then these Workshops are an absolute MUST!

See you there!

Free Software for Not-for-Profits

When I was at conference in Aussie last year I heard about an organization called Donortec. Basically, they administer a scheme where not-for-profits can get free software, hardware etc. I said I was from NZ and asked if we could access it here. They said no but it would be available in NZ in 2008. Well, it is here now! You can access the freebies through Techsoup:

http://www.techsoup.net.nz/about-techsoup-new-zealand

They only have Microsoft software at the moment but it will grow as other suppliers get on board with it. This is genuine MS software and just have a look at the list of stuff you can get! Those of us with networks can get all the latest server software and you can get Vista, XP and Office software with up to 50 licenses for a small admin fee.

If you have a look at the Donortec site you can see what may be available to us in the future:
http://www.donortec.com.au/directory.

Let us know what bargains you pick up!

Come Dancing!

Don't miss the chance to learn from NZ's leading integrated dance company Touch Compass, who combine dancers with and without a disability in stunning performances and training events. All levels of skill and ability welcome. The workshops will offer participants the opportunity to express their creativity through movement in a fun and supportive environment.

Where: Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
When: Block 1: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Saturdays 21st Jun, 28th Jun, 5th Jul, 26th Jul, and 2nd Aug.
Block 2: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Saturdays 9th Aug, 16th Aug, 23rd Aug, 30th Aug and 6th Sep

Cost: Block of 5 workshops: $75.00
All ten workshops: $135.00 (10% discount)

What to bring: Loose comfortable clothing, bottle of water, and a positive attitude!

How to Book: Contact Rachel at info@touchcompass.org.nz or phone (09) 4460477 or mobile 021 989 446 for a booking form and further details.

Workshops supported by Auckland City Council's Community Groups Assistance Fund

Wooo Hoooo! Bron's Bungy Jump!

Our esteemed Vice President exceeded expectations in Queenstown when she did the famous BUNGY JUMP! We know the Conference was full on but just see what it inspires people to do. Check out the evidence and don't foget to have your sound on so you can hear her scream!!! (Or maybe that was John screaming?)

The Feddie Awards 2008

Now is the time for all NZFDIC Centres to get their nominations in for the 2008 Feddie Awards. This year the categories are:

INFORMATION CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR
CENTRE OF THE YEAR
MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Please email your nominations for the above Awards to Catharine stating why you believe your nominees deserve the Award. One nomination only for each category please.

In addition to these there will be a special PRESIDENT'S AWARD for outstanding contribution beyond the normal call of duty. This Award will not be presented every year. All Centres are asked to nominate up to three individuals for this Award and state why they are nominating each person. The Exec will consider the nominees and make a selection. Nominations for the President's Award should be emailed to Noel.

Please have all nominations in by Friday 2nd May.

"Going For Gold" Conference 2008 Queenstown

The Federation Exec are pleased to announce that Registrations for "Going for Gold" Disability Information Training Conference 2008 are now open. We advise early registration as numbers are limited and this is a very popular event. You can download a copy of the Registration Brochure by clicking HERE.

This two day Conference is a must for anyone providing disability information, with a full programme of excellent speakers who will give you tools and tips to take away and put to good use in your organisation.

The event is being held in beautiful Queenstown and we have got an excellent deal on accommodation for you at the Conference Venue - the Copthorne Resort.

We would like to express our thanks to NZ Lottery and Careerforce - major sponsors of this Conference.

If you have any queries about the Conference please contact Carol or Sallyjane.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hopefully you will all have had some quality time over the holidays and are looking forward to the year ahead. The Exec Team will have their first meeting of the year next month and we will give you some updates after that. Plans for "Going for Gold" - our National Training Conference in Queenstown - are well in hand and we have a great line-up of speakers for you. We suggest you start planning ahead now (and think of a good reason why your boss should let you come!)

We have negotiated a great deal with the Copthorne - our venue. You can book a standard room for just $125.00 per night! But that's not all! The rate includes breakfast for two - that's cheaper than a backpackers! But wait... there's more! They have also agreed to give delegates that rate for as many nights as they want to stay, so why not plan to take some extra days and explore beautiful Queenstown?

The Feddie Awards are back this year and nomination forms will be sent out with the Registration packs. Get your thinking caps on and if you believe you have people worthy of an award working in your Centre NOMINATE THEM!

Lastly, you will notice a new 'gadget' at the bottom of the side bar. You can put in your email address and have updates to this Blog emailed to you. No more excuses for missing something!

Be well, be happy!

CALL FOR SPEAKERS - TRAINING CONFERENCE '08

The Executive Committee of the NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres is seeking applications from people wishing to present a session at its National Training Conference, “Going For Gold”. This event is to be held in Queenstown, 12-13 May 2008.
The theme is based on the concept “not-for-profit, not-for-loss”. Many disability information provider organisations experience difficulties with budgeting, cash flow, finding funding for promotion and marketing, obtaining and retaining staff at voluntary sector wage rates, coping with the ever increasing costs of compliance etc. We are seeking speakers who can provide delegates with good practical advice and tools, that they can take away and use, to improve their organisational and personal development.
Topic ideas could include but are not limited to:
· Making a splash without much cash – cheap and cheerful promotional ideas
· Panning for organisational gold – Getting the best out of staff.
· Golden opportunities – Grants, sponsorship and other fundraising.
· Don’t fossick with me! – Looking after your intellectual property – it could be worth gold!
· May I see your Miner’s license? – Managing compliance with regulations that bind us.
Delegates include people working at service level, management level and governance level and we aim to have a good mix of sessions to cater for their particular needs and interests.
Speakers at our events receive a free registration for the whole two day conference. Due to funding restraints we can’t provide accommodation or travel. However this is a great opportunity to both raise your profile as well as assist others to benefit from the work you are doing (and to stop the “reinventing of the wheel” that so many of us in the sector waste so much time doing!)
The Executive Committee reserves the right to decline any topics that it feels are not in keeping with the conference theme. Where speakers submit similar topics the Executive Committee reserves the right to choose one or decline both. However, speakers who are not accepted in a particular year may apply again in the following year.

If you are interested please send us an email with your topic title/s, a 50 word summary and a 50 word bio before Friday 30th November 2007.

Email to: Sallyjane

NEW 'MUST SEE' BLOG!!!

Hey everyone!

So, fed up with the lack of:

a) Reviews on the accessibility of cafes, restaurants, and public facilities around Auckland,

b) Regular news about NZ disability events, sports, arts festivals, etc.

and c) The distinct lack of any sort of online community for people with disabilities, their friends and family...

I've decided to do something about it!

I've created a blog, walkingisoverrated.com, which is a very early attempt at rectifying the aforementioned lacks. It contains reviews conducted by yours truly on accessible cafes and restaurants around Auckland (only a small number at the moment, but will be adding to it daily), comment on disability-related news and sport clippings, and so much more! It also has a Forums section, where you can start your own discussion on any disability-related issue you like!

If you're interested, I'd love nothing more than to have other people contribute to the site - whether it be a review you'd like to write, news stories you'd like to comment on - anything at all - flick me an email and we'll hook something up!

Also, if you currently run a website yourself, I'd be hugely appreciative if you'd consider putting up a link to my site - I'd be happy to reciprocate.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, and enjoy the site!

Cheers,

Red Nicholson
walkingisoverrated.com
red@walkingisoverrated.com
021 779 089

Geraldine Woods confirmed as DDG - Health & Disability Services

The Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan is pleased to confirm Geraldine Woods as the Deputy Director-General Health and Disability National Services. There was significant interest in the position, both from within the Ministry and from the sector reflecting the general support for our renewed focus on sector success. Geraldine was the stand-out candidate and her appointment reinforces the strong performance and leadership she has shown in both the interim role and her previous roles. Geraldine has held a number of senior Government roles at Health, the NZ Employment Service, Work and Income and the Ministry of Social Development. Geraldine will be responsible for leading the Directorate and assuming responsibility for planning, funding and providing services not currently funded by District Health Boards. A significant part of the Directorate's work will be planning as well as funding and contracting. The directorate will be working with DHBs and other sector agencies to align the provision of those services with local planning and delivery.

2nd National Consumers' Summit

The 2nd National Consumers' Summit is to be held in Auckland on November 26th. NZ Guidelines Group, the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner and other collaborating partners of the initiative to strengthen consumer voice in New Zealand, invite health and disability consumer group representatives to attend the Summit.

Partners of the initiative recognise that consumers, in New Zealand and around the world, need to have a greater voice and involvement in decision-making, policy development and monitoring of health and disability services.

Information for consumer groups is available here: http://www.nzgg.org.nz/download/files/070626_Update_for_Consumer_Organisations.pdf

Assistance with funding for consumers wishing to attend is available here:
http://www.nzgg.org.nz/index.cfm?fuseaction=specialfocus&fusesubaction=article&documentid=336&articleID=406

Please spread the word so that as many consumers as possible will be able to attend.

Meetings - Ministry of Health

The Executive Committee had the pleasure of meeting with Brian Agnew who is the Ministry of Health Contract Relationship Manager. Brian has responsibility for National DIAS Contracts. He is principally based in Northland. Brian is our Ministry of Health contact for the Federation National Contract and the WEKA Contract. Brian briefed the Executive on the restructuring process that has happened in the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health organisational chart is on the MoH website which gives you further detail on the new roles within the Ministry.