Welcome to the JULY 2011 issue of Down Syndrome NSW e-Update.

All links to other documents and websites in this e-Update are active - text will change colour as your mouse passes over them, and/or the cursor will change to the hand icon,  to indicate the link - click on the text to follow the links.

Scroll down to read everything, or click on the headings at left to go straight to an item of particular interest.

The deadline for copy for the AUGUST 2011  issue of the Down Syndrome NSW e-Update is 15th July 2011. Email the Editor: update@dsansw.org.au
 

Are you Keeping up with Down Syndrome NSW ?
If you are not reading our blog, you are missing out on information that we receive at short notice, and links to fun, interesting and useful online items and resources. News and information about events organised by Down Syndrome NSW, or by other organisations is posted several times a week.  You can now follow the blog by email - sign up for an email alert each time a post is published.

In addition to the items included in this Update, and other news, we have recently posted about

• The Special Olympics World Games in Athens (25th June - 4th July) - the media coverage/communications provided by Special Olympics Australia has been outstanding.  We've tried to keep track of photos and stories about participating athletes from NSW who have Down syndrome, providing links as they become available - they are winning so many medals and obviously having such a great time it has been hard to keep up!
• Introduced a new regular posting of a "Website of the Week" with a link to the Shifting Perspectives free app for iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad - a UK photographic initiative that aims to change the world's perception of people with Down syndrome that has been developing over 6 years.
• Mothers Weekend 2011 at Bundanoon in June - some photos and a story ...
• Media coverage, reviews and responses to the release of Peter Rix's novel, Water under Water, including a feature article in the June issue of the Australian Women's Weekly

 Regular blog features include: 

• Library Thursdays, highlighting aspects of our collection
• News from around NSW, around Australia and around the world
• Information about events and services
• Opportunities to participate in research
• Links to relevant and interesting sites elsewhere

Up Club assistant - Illawarra area

We are looking for a support worker in the Wollongong/Illawarra area, to coordinate a social group.
One activity per month for a group of young adults with Down syndrome.

For more information and job description, please contact Brooke at  Down Syndrome NSW on 98414402

Information Officer
Part-time temporary position

A  short term position to fill some temporary gaps in our Information Services (including library services) is currently available.

Providing and locating information about Down syndrome, for families and other enquirers is a key part of our work.  Knowledge about Down syndrome is required.

People well-informed about Down syndrome are encouraged to apply.

Contact Steve Clarke, CEO, Down Syndrome NSW 
for further information, and to apply, on
9841 4408  or 0424 044 930
executiveofficer@dsansw.org.au

Sutherland Shire and St George: Family Picnic
 
Waterhouse Camelia
Gardens President Avenue, Caringbah
Sunday 17 July (last weekend of school)
Meet at top playground beside the teahouse. .

• Contact Mary Givney-Clark 9524 7496 or 0402 045 547

Key Word Sign Group  Monthly Workshop: Hastings district - Wauchope
Come along and join teachers, parents, grandparents, teacher’s aide, friends, therapists etc to our FREE key word signing group.

Everyone is welcome and please feel free to pass on this information. We have lots of fun, it is easy to learn – we play games,  speak and sign, sign and play and it doesn’t matter if you know 1 sign  or 30 or 100 you will learn about 20 – 30 new words every meeting or get to practice some forgotten signs.

• Contact details: Julielangeveld@gmail.com or 0402 729 319

Down Syndrome NSW (Hunter)
Monthly coffee mornings,  at various locations.  Everyone is very welcome!

Friday, 8th July:   Wallsend Diggers Outdoor play area
Tuesday, 16th August: Jewels Tavern Outdoor play area

Keep a look out on the Down Syndrome NSW website for further information on other events

Contacts:

• Meg Hepplewhite:   0413 515 274   mhepplewhite@bigpond.com 
• Mary Petit:  0412 745 147  marykles@y7mail.com
• Jennine Taylor:  0406 057 402  mickjtaylor@bigpond.com

My Time Green Valley - Liverpool area
Morning tea support group for parents/carers of babies and  children who have Down syndrome. Play Helper provided.

at Share Care Support Centre, 26 Greenvalley Road, Busby

• Contact: Melissa Cotterill on 9825 1973 or 0418 162 544 or email mmcotterill@bigpond.com

Riverina - Wagga Wagga district

• Cathy Manning runs a local support group for parents from the Wagga Wagga district  rdssg@bigpond.com

My Time Merrylands
Holroyd City Council with Playgroup NSW runs a local My Time at Merrylands. This group brings together people who can understand the achievements and help with the challenges of this caring role. Through talking and sharing experiences, people can build relationships with others in similar situations.

During this time, the children get to play, supported by our play helper, with a number of age-appropriate activities that are set up each week.Younger parent especially invited.

Fridays from 9.30am to 11.30am  (during school terms)
Family Day Care building
74 Military Road, Merrylands NSW 2160

To register or for further information

• contact Jane Hayden on 9840 9996, 0414 817 067 or jane.hayden@holroyd.nsw.gov.au

My Time Narellan

• Contact Kelly Charlton 0404 074 896

Down Syndrome Illawarra
Offers a number of support groups within the Illawarra region, including

• Playgroup in the park (weekly)
• Afternoon kids group (weekly for school aged children)
• Support Playgroup - Multicultural Centre, Auburn St, Wollongong, monthly

Contacts:

• Facebook: Down Syndrome Illawarra  (or search for ‘Down Syndrome Illawarra’ on Facebook)
• Shirley 0466 266 729 or dsillawarra@live.com.au
• www.downsyndromeillawarra.com

Sydney Community College has announced next term's short courses for people with disabilities, starting in July.

Courses are offered through the Inclusive Community Education Program (ICEP), a pilot program funded by the Department of Family and Community Services, Aging Disability and Home Care. ICEP is a flexible respite program that aims to give carers a break whilst providing unique recreation and social opportunities for adults with a disability.

To be eligible for a place, each student must:

-  Have a disability
-  Live at home with an unpaid carer (e.g. parent/guardian)
-  Be aged 18-45
-  Live in the local community, including LGAs of Ashfield, Botany Bay, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Leichhardt, Marrkickville, Randwick, Rockdale, Strathfield, Waverly or Woollahra.

Enrolments for next term's courses are now open. All courses are free. Experienced tutors run the classes and two support facilitators are on hand at all times.

Contact: Duncan Rose
Social Inclusion Coordinator
Sydney Community College
2a Perry St Lilyfield NSW 2040

Or email, phone or fax to book in your courses:
duncan.rose@scc.nsw.edu.au
Ph: 8752 7571 Fax: 8752 7500

Dance to the Nines Event!
-is a night for people over18, with a disability. Get your dancing shoes on and dance to a live band!

Friday 15 July 2011
6-9pm

Doughtery Community Centre,
7 Victor Street, Chatswood

FREE! Light refreshments provided.

Bookings essential: call 9777 7975

Everyone Can Dance Social Event!
Campbelltown City Bowl 
Sunday the 17th of July

If you would like to attend, please email Tara Grech on tara_grech@hotmail.com or call (02) 4655 7711.
For more information about Everyone Can Dance, please visit their website: http://everyonecandance.com.au/

Special Olympics - Sydney Hills Region
is offering some new activities to ALL interested athletes:

Fitness, Fun and Athletics: 4-5 pm Thursdays
The Kings School, Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta

Basketball: 6.00pm – 7.30pm Wednesdays
Castle Hill High School

Soccer: 3.00pm Sundays
Bella Vista Oval, Norwest

Contact Sports Co-ordinator, Kerry Nethery on 0403 786 818 or

New bowling group for secondary students:  Eastern Suburbs
Contact: Natascha Milsom milsom@hotmail.com

Up, Up Toastmasters
for people with Down syndrome, 18 yrs+
If you would like to learn how to speak confidently, and be part of a group that has similar interests to yourself, and would like to make new friends.
Come and join our toastmasters group on the last Saturday of each month, from 10.30 am till 12.30 pm.

WHEN DO WE MEET? 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
WHERE:  Down Syndrome NSW
80 Weston Street,  Harris Park NSW 9117.
WHO TO CALL: 
Maria Short  02 9841 4403 
or email: upandaway@dsansw.org.au

City 2 Surf has become the event on the Sydney calendar... fast or slow, young or old, if you haven’t ‘city to surfed’ before, why not make 2011 the year!

Another great reason to take part, whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned pro, is that it’s a great fun and easy way to support people with Down syndrome and their families by selecting Down Syndrome NSW as your charity.  Just go to www.city2surf.com.au and choosing Down Syndrome NSW from the drop down list of charities. You can set up a ‘hero page’ or have one set up for you and email friends, family and workmates so they can cheer you on.

If you have difficulties or questions, just call Priscilla on 02 9841 4404 or email priscilla@dsansw.org.au

Congratulations to those earlybirds who have already registered for this year’s City2Surf, have started their training and set up their ‘hero’ pages to raise valuable funds for Down Syndrome NSW...

Richard Struthers:  http://everydayhero.com.au/richard_struthers_4
 
Michaela Howells:  http://everydayhero.com.au/michaela_howells
 
Michael Hearne:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Michael_Hearne
 
Jane Grew:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Jane_Grew_0493
 
Donna Hogan:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Donna_Hogan
 
Johan Kusuma:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Johan_Kusuma
 
Jan Drosselmeyer:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Jan_Drosselmeyer_1148
 
Brendan Nolan:  http://everydayhero.com.au/Brendan_Nolan_7288

CANBERRA:  SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER

SYDNEY:  SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER

NEWCASTLE:  SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER

WAGGA WAGGA:  SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER

Note: To take part in the walk, please register. All registered walkers will be sent an Event Kit with map and full details of walk and picnic.

* Early bird special: T-Shirts ONLY $15 until 26th August (Note: orders must be received in the office by close of business on Friday 26th August)

* T-Shirts $22 from 27th August until 23rd September (Please note the 23rd September is the final cut off date for ALL t-shirt orders. NO T-Shirt orders will be taken after the 23rd September).

Click here to download a registration form and apparel order now.  Online registration will be available shortly.

Registrations will remain open up until the day of the event.

For all enquiries, contact Priscilla@dsansw.org.au

Further details about the day itself to come - watch this space!

BUY A BOOK TO BUY A BOOK - support the Down Syndrome NSW library by buying the Entertainment Book 2011 - 2012.

The Entertainment Book is a restaurant and activity guide that provides special 25-50% discounts and 2-for-1 incentives from many of the best restaurants, hotels and attractions. It represents great value for family entertainment. The featured restaurants and other businesses do not pay to be included, they are selected based on awards, reviews and personal recommendations. See the Entertainment Book web site for more information.

You can order localised editions including Sydney, Sydney Greater West,  Sydney North, Canberra, Newcastle/The Hunter, and there are interstate and New Zealand editions that would make great gifts.

Order online and pay by credit card here
or
Click here to download the Entertainment Book 2011 - 2012 order form

or contact Angela Adams or Sue Drummond at the DS NSW office on (02) 9841 4409  or email admin@dsansw.org.au for an order form.

We are very grateful for a number of initiativesthat provide valuable year-round fund raising and support to families, through business activities.

Down Syndrome NSW Wine Service
"Every drop makes a difference"
Through our fund raising wine service you can now buy quality wine direct from the winery, and  provide a donation of $20 per case to Down Syndrome NSW.
With competitive prices, FREE delivery and a money-back guarantee,  making a difference has never been easier or more enjoyable.
Go to http://dsansw.wineservice.com.au/index.taf to browse and to place an order.


Elite Optical - special offer on glasses and frames
Elite Optical is a leading supplier of optical lenses to Optometrists across Sydney and NSW. The Director of Elite Optical, Peter French is offering significant discounts on glasses and frame packages for children and adults with Down syndrome.

If you are interested in receiving a special Elite Optical – Down Syndrome NSW discount card to be used when ordering your child’s glasses and frames, please contact Priscilla at Down Syndrome NSW on 9841 4404 or Priscilla@dsansw.org.au  

Offer available in Australia only. Offer available to carers of children with Down syndrome and to adults with Down syndrome when purchasing frames and lens packages for the person with Down syndrome only. Full details of offer and terms and conditions will be made available upon application.

Down Syndrome South Africa is proud to announce the

11TH WORLD DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS
to take place in
CAPE TOWN
15th – 18th August 2012
at the
Cape Town International Congress Centre



The theme for this congress is the BIG FIVE. Being RIGHTS, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AND HEALTH with sub themes focusing on the UN Convention Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

There will be a Pre-congress Synod for young adults with Down Syndrome on the 14th August. The main congress will be held over 3 days 15th – 17th August and will feature international key note speakers presenting the latest up to date information. There will be a one day post congress workshops on the 18th. These workshops will focus on Early Intervention, Education and Employment.

The first call for papers has just been released on the 11WDSC website.

Put these dates in your diary .... nothing like planning ahead!

For pamphlets to be email or posted directly to you please contact Roxanne at dssa.odo@icon.co.za  or phone 0861-369-672
Congress website: www.wdsc2012.org.za 

 OBJECTIVE: To launch the NSW Government person centred consultation process and undertake the first stage of feedback on some of the key issues

Thursday 7 and Friday 8 July 2011

Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush

SHOULD I ATTEND THIS EVENT? Yes if …

 you have a disability
 someone in your family has a disability
 you care for someone with a disability
 you are part of the disability service sector

Free – no cost to attend summit

Register online and get further about the program, venue, accommodation options, transport and other information here.

This summit is just the start … the NSW Government is holding this two day summit to start the important process of consultation. If you can’t attend, this is not your only chance to have a say about how we can build a disability services system that puts the person at the centre. You will be able to attend one of more than 100 consultations to be held in the coming months around NSW. You will also have the opportunity to submit your ideas online soon.

There is a range of shapes and colours available and can be seen by visiting www.specs4us.com

Parents and optometrists who are interested can contact Respecs for more information and a brochure by phoning 0417 441 844 or via their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Respecs/189295557788872

A few places are still available at this workshop:

Saturday 9th July, 2011
9am – 3:30pm
St. Marys

Fee: $100 for professionals;  $50 for parents

This full day Basic workshop covers the use of Key Word Sign and natural gesture to assist individuals who have difficulties with receptive and/or expressive communication. Come along and learn how to use Key Word Sign, natural gesture and other strategies to communicate with your clients or child.

For further information and to register, contact Meagan Rudd:  P 0410 691 381 E meagan.signon@gmail.com  RSVP: 6th July, 2011

A number of webinars (seminars conducted via the internet) on a wide range of topics about people with Down syndrome are coming up, from international organisations.  Some offer live sessions during the day for Australian time zones, others are post permanent links to video of the presentations.  Most make documents about the content available online. Some are free, and there is a small charge for others.


Boston Children's Hospital Speakers Program
The excellent Down Syndrome Program of Speakers for Parents is now in its second year at Boston Children's Hospital. Each event is webcast live, with the talk then being made freely available online to access at any time, bringing a world class expert to your computer. A few days afterwards, notes and handouts are posted, along with the online video.

All links and schedules are available at: http://childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2845/mainpageS2845P8.html

Already available online from the 2011 series:
William Kiernan: Postsecondary Education, Employment and National Service
Kim Barbas: Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome
Linda Nelson:Dental Issues in DS and Orthodontics in DS
David Stein: Autism and Down Syndrome

Coming up:
July 5, Emily Davidson, on Complex Care Needs and Down Syndrome
September 6, Cynthia Haddad, and John Nadworny on Financial Planning for Families
October 24, Margaret Kenna and Lisa Walker on Hearing/Audiologic Concerns and Down Syndrome
November 1, JoAnn Simons, on Transitions for Young Adults with Down Syndrome
December 12th, Priscilla Osborne and Jessica Konter on Gross Motor Skills and Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Education International

Computer-based working memory training research
Down Syndrome Education International is currently conducting a randomised controlled trial of an adaptive working memory training programme with children with Down syndrome.
The aim of this current project is to evaluate whether it is possible to improve working memory skills in children with Down syndrome through repeated practice on a computer. The computerised training programme we are evaluating is Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT). This programme is a series of working memory games on the computer that children work though, where the child has remember sequences of visual, or visual and verbal information. This method of training memory has been successful in significantly improving memory for other groups of children who have memory difficulties.

To find out more about the trial and our preliminary findings, join us at a free online event in July:
13 July 2011, 6.30pm Sydney time

Register at  http://dsuri.net/eqWB6m

Reading Research
Down Syndrome Education International has reached the final stages in its current reading research with children with Down syndrome, and is offering an online event. Read about the preliminary findings and publication plans here:  www.dseinternational.org/en/gb/news/2011/06/reading-trial-update.aspx

Find out more at the free online event:
20 July 2011 6.30pm Sydney time

Register at http://dsuri.net/eqWB6m

What's On YOUR Plate?
Practical Tools Webinar Series: Strategies for Healthy Eating for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome and Related Disabilities.

And just WHOSE PLATE are we talking about?

Healthy lives - healthy eating - health weight - all take work. The work is not limited to the person learning! It involves everyone: Mom, Dad, siblings, direct support providers, teachers, friends, and more.
In this webinar, we'll discuss some ways to build healthy living into every day life. And we'll have some fun, too!

Presented by Joan Medlen, JEM Communications and Phronesis Publishing (author of The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook)

Saturday, July 30, 2011
8.00 am Pacific Time (USA)
which will be:
Sunday July 31 2011
1.00 am Eastern Australian time

Click here to register  http://plate.eventbrite.com/. Webinar 'seats' are limited.

Strategies for improving the health of people with intellectual disability. The day is for family members, carers, people with intellectual disability and service providers. Sessions will include:

•  Challenges to health care
•  Tips for visiting the Doctor
•  Issues for regional areas
•  Making health care work for you

NB: These will be easy to understand sessions for people with intellectual disability

Tuesday 19th July, 2011, 9am – 3pm
The Commercial Club, Albury

Cost: $15 for Family Members/Carers /Students $50 for for Service Providers and free for People with Intellectual Disability. This price includes lunch and morning tea.Places are limited.

For more information and a list of the day’s guest speakers, see www.nswcid.org.au  Contact the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability if you are interested in attending on 1800 424 065 or email: katie@nswcid.org.au

The Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID) will be presenting a one day interactive workshop on Person Centred Active Support and how it can be incorporated into the everyday support of people with disabilities and the benefits that are being achieved by people with disabilities.

Active Support is a way of organising how support is provided to people with disability in community based accommodation and similar services and provides the tools to implement true person centred planning in meaningful everyday activities. 

WAGGA WAGGA
27th July 2011
9.30am to 4.00pm
Charles Sturt University, Gulballanna Room C

BATHURST
25th July 2011
9.30am to 4.00pm
Charles Sturt University, James Hardie Dining Hall

Cost: $55.00 (inclusive GST)

To reserve your place, please email to request a registration form to: Tiana Sartor, by 18th July 2011, debtors@kurrajongwaratah.org.au

Source:  IDEAS NSW E-News, Issue 21, June 2011

• For further information or enrolment, please contact Carolyn on 0431 514 787 or info@hillsnepean.com.au or you can visit the Baby Sign Playtime website at www.babysignplaytime.com

School leaver "expos" are one useful strategy for giving families access to a lot of information and local options for post-schoolprograms and opportunities. They will usually be advertised through your school and other local services.

Information about  the two NSW government funded post-school programs for school leavers with disabilities - Transition to Work and Community Participation -  is available from the Ageing, Disability and Home Care website: look under the 'for individuals, families and carers' menu, in 'support for people with a disability', then 'for school leavers'. You can access all documentation for both programs, and download lists of service providers in each region. Links and contacts are also provided for further information directly from ADHC.

Family Advocacy runs information sessions for families about both Transition to Work and Community Participation, and about how they can be managed by families, from time to time, across NSW.

School Leaver Expos/Information events

Sydney Region
Wednesday 3rd August 2011
Visit any time between 3 pm and 6 pm
Marrickville High School Hall
(Enter via Northcote St, marrickville - parking available in staff carpark or on Northote St)
Wheelchair accessible
Entry:  free
Service providers from the eastern suburbs, city, inner west and surrounding areas will be attending.
Further information:
DET Sydney Region Support Teachers (Transition): Jennifer Dash 9555 4152 or Sue Tomasetti 9300 9579; Catholic Education, transition Officer: Fran McBride 0408 258 469


Post School Options and Transition Planning Forum - After School; What Happens Next?
An interactive Forum for families who are planning life after school for high school students with special learning needs. This forum is about preparing and planning for life after school for students with special learning needs. It is suitable for families of children in high school.

Wednesday August 10th 2011 
Dougherty Centre, Chatswood.

Two sessions will be run to enable working parents to attend. An earlier session will take place between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. A repeat later session will be held between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

The focus of the forum includes the following;
Planning the process of transition from school to adult life
How to make informed choices about the future
Education and training options available
Employment services and other programs available
Financial assistance and government guidelines
How funding works and the levels allocated 

The speakers will be drawn from a range of backgrounds and organisations including TAFE, disability employment, apprenticeships, government etc.
For information contact Sharon Grocott on 0419 013 331 or e-mail Sharon.grocott@hillssip.com.au

North Sydney School Leavers Expo
For school students with a disability, parents/carers and school staff
1 to 5:30 pm Wednesday 24th August
Dougherty Centre Auditorium & Extension, Chatswood

After school — what then?
This workshop is about preparing and planning towards life after school for students with disability and ongoing support needs. It is suitable for families of students with disability who are approaching the end of high school
Mudgee
Dubbo
Cobar
Broken Hill

Week of August 29 - September 2nd

Phone:02 9869 0866 or 1800 620 588 (NSW non metro callers). Email: workshops@family-advocacy.com 


Resourcing Families
Harness the possibilities for young people with developmental disability
Hear about resources that are available, what other families have done and how you can benefit from what Resourcing Families has to offer

Resourcing Families is an initiative of Family Advocacy that provides information and ideas about building informal supports, establishing networks and developing, implementing, directing and sustaining individualised, self managed supports.

About the information session…
Resourcing Families will be running information sessions across NSW to discuss how people with developmental disability and their families can have more control over their lives and opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Information sessions will be taking place in:
Warren 27th of July,
Dubbo 27th and 28th of July,
Mudgee 29th of July
Queanbeyan 1st of September

Ph: 02 9869 7753 or 1800 774 764 (NSW non metro callers) Email: info@resourcingfamilies.org.au

www.family-advocacy.com

Interest continues to build in the use of devices such as iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone, and their applications by people with disabilities. Communication applications are particularly prolific. It is becoming increasingly useful to select a number of 'clearing house' sites to keep track of what available. 

A new Facebook page provides information on special education uses of the iPad - both software and hardware accessories: Special Education iPad Users.

Apps for children with special needs is a website allowing users to see apps in action before you buy.

Presentations from the Big Event (held in May) are now available online from In Control (you might need to register - free - to access the files).

In Control has recently established a Facebook page.  You do not need to be a Facebook account holder to access it.

From time to time, Down Syndrome NSW is able to put researchers in touch with people with Down syndrome and their families to help with recruitment of participants for their studies.These studies are currently recruiting:

Memory development in preschoolers and adults with Down syndrome - University of NSW 2011
We are currently looking for participants aged 3-5 years old with Down syndrome for a study at the University of New South Wales. The study would involve your child playing a series of memory games with pictures and toys. Your child will also participate in a standardized task to measure cognitive and communication skills.
The study is on-campus and $20 petrol costs and paid-parking will be reimbursed. Your child will also get to choose a small toy to take home at the end of the session.
A second stage of this project has now been implemented, with adult subjects:
We are currently looking for participants aged 20-60 years old with Down Syndrome for a study at the University of New South Wales.
The study will involve participating in a series of memory tasks with pictures and objects and a standardized task to measure cognitive and communication skills.
If you’re interested in further information about either part of the study, or would like to participate, please contact Lynette Roberts on 0405 721 076 or at lynette.roberts@unsw.edu.au

Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour: Research to Practice and Policy

30 September 2011
Camperdown campus, University of Sydney

The Faculty of Health Sciences and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney in association with the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability is pleased to announce the conference:  "Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour: Research to Practice and Policy”. Leading International and Australian researchers will present the latest developments in supporting challenging behaviours in people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. Strategies for gaining government support to implement proper services will also be a focus.

This conference will benefit those working with people with developmental disabilities in community and health settings, as well as research students and academics, and clinical practitioners. 

Registrations will open in July 2011

Enquiries can be directed to:  Imelda Noti Imelda.noti@sydney.edu.au or Prof. Stewart Einfeld, Convenor stewart.einfeld@sydney.edu.au

More information can be found here


* * * * * * * * * * *

Smiles 4 A Day!
The team behind the Special Children’s Christmas Party will host Smiles 4 A Day, a spring carnival for children with special needs and their families on 12th November at Parramatta Stadium.

More details to follow. Enquiries:  Contact Prscilla at Down Syndrome NSW:  02 9841 4404 or priscilla@dsansw.org.au