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About Us
formerly the Western Region Disability Network
Who are we?
disAbilityconnections (Victoria) - formerly the Western Region Disability Network (WRDN) is a network of nearly 1000 people with disabilities, their carers/families, service providers, government and community. Membershipisfree to anyone who shares our passion fordisabilityissues. Whileour focus ison theWestern and Northern suburbs of Metropolitan Melbournewe invite others tojoin us. We are open to all disabilities (including mental health) and age groups.
The Network was established in1993, launched by the Hon. Joan Kirner, former Premier of Victoria in 1994and changed our nameto disAbility connections (Victoria)in December 2009 in recognition that the Network provides information andsystemic advocacy services to a wider geographical area than the Western suburbs.
Vision
We are a passionate regional grassroots network that informs and empowers people with a disability and those who support them to have an active presence and influential voice in community and civic life.
Mission
Collectively we promote participation, leadership, equality and a voice in decision-making through information exchange and systematic advocacy by building bridges and partnerships.
What does disAbility connections (DCV) do?
1. Information Dissemination
* DCV website (disability connections.org.au)
* Bimonthly newsletter – “Network News” (for members)
* Bimonthly forums
* One-off meetings
* “Communiqué” (newsletter to strategic partners).
2. Building the Ability of People with Disabilities and Carers/Families
* DCV is managed by a Committee of Management elected from and by the membership
* Encouraging people to give their opinion and raise concerns
* Training
* Student placements.
3. Community Awareness Raising
* Partnerships
* The Speakers’ Bank (a group of members who speak to the community about disability issues).
4. Systemic and Planning Advocacy (expressing the voices of disability to change laws, remove barriers and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities)
* Submissions to government
* Partnerships with decision-makers and planners (e.g. Department of Human Services, Local Government)
* Working with people and organisations who have the capacity to help change things (e.g. Victorian Electoral Commission).
Become a Member
The Network welcomes anyone who has an interest in disability issues to become a DCV member .
Membership is open to:
* Individuals with disabilities
* Carers/family members
* Paid carers/professionals
* Organisations (disability specific and universal)
* Support groups
* Other networks
* Community members.
All ages and all disabilities.
Membership is FREE
For further information about disAbility connections (victoria) please contact Helen Adams, Executive Officer, by telephone on 9687 7066 or via email at helen.dcv@annecto.org.au
Auspice
disAbility connections (Victoria) is hosted by annecto - the people network.
This means that:
* all legal arrangements are made with annecto on behalf of DCV;
* annecto is responsible for DCV finances and employment of staff;
* annecto does not direct DCV activities – these are the responsibility of the Committee of Management elected by and from the membership. The Committee consists of 5 people with disability, 3 carers and 2 service providers.
* Any donationsof $2 or more are tax deductible
DCV acknowledges and thanks annecto - the people network for their ongoing and invaluable support.
SUPPORT disAbility connections (DCV)
The best way to support DCV is by:
(a) Becoming a member and contributing your views to the voice of disability. You can do this in a number of ways:
* Attend bimonthly meetings;
* Attend one-off forums about topics of interest;
* Participating in occasional focus groups;
If you cannot attend a meeting, forum or focus group, you are encouraged to ring the Executive Officer (Helen) on 9687 7066 or email helen.dcv@annecto.org.au
You can also support DCV by:
(a) Nominating as a member of the Committee of Management which is made up of people elected from and by the membership – the coordinating group consists of 5 people with disability, 3 carers and 2 service providers.
If you do not have the time to be a member of the Committee you can offer your specific skills to one or more time limited projects
(b) Becoming a member of Speakers’ Bank either as a public speaker or as a buddy or support person – this may involve assisting a person to develop their presentation and/or to go with them as they give their speech. See “Speakers’ Bank” for more details
(c) Becoming an e-update volunteer – this involves making a commitment to putting information onto the Disability Connections website every week. The information is sent to you by the office. There is a step by step instruction manual to help you with this, and support from the office if required
(d) Supporting the work of DCV through financial contributions. For more information see “Network Neighbours”.
TRAINING
DCV has partnered with 2 Registered Training Providers to provide accreditted training.
At the moment DCV is providing:
Certificate 1 Work Education to a group of up to 12 young adults with a disability aged 16-23.
This course is offered on a Wednesday and Thursday over an 18 month period at the DCV office in Footscray. There is no fee and participants are encouraged to undertake this course in conjunction with school or another program.
As the name suggests the Work Education course teaches about the world of work. Travel training and social skills are important elements of the course.
The course starts in February 2010. There are still a couple of vacancies. If interested please contact:
Helen Adams, Executive Officer DCV on 03 9687 7066 or email helen.dcv@annecto.org.au or
Joan Cooney at annecto on 03 9687 7066 or email joan.cooney@annecto.org.au
Certificate 1 Work Education to 2 x groups based at the David House program in Yarraville.This course commenced in 2009 and will be completed soon.
DCV is currently negotiating to provide further courses through 2010. Please look at the Whats On page under DCV activities and events for the latest news.
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