Association Updates | Around Queensland | Training, Conferences and Expos | In The News and New Research

Behavioural Consultancy Service:

Synapse Training: 2009 Workshops

1. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
2. Introduction to Acquired Brain Injury (Intro to ABI)
3. Managing Complex & Challenging Behaviour (MCCB)

March:

Wednesday 25^th – PBS (9.15am – 4.30pm)

Thursday 26^th – Intro to ABI (9.15am – 1.00pm)

Friday 27^th – MCCB (9.15am – 1.00pm)

Cost:

Positive Behaviour Support $110 per person

Introduction to Acquired Brain Injury $55 per person

Managing Complex & Challenging Behaviour $55 per person

Location:

Unit 3 / 162 Petrie Terrace

Brisbane , QLD 4064

(4 hour parking available on street from 9am)

For more information and to register visit the Synapse Webpage: http://www.braininjury.org.au/portal/services/training-and-education-programs.html

Service and Government Updates around Queensland:

Chronic Disease Dental Scheme
Medicare dental items are available for people with chronic conditions and complex care needs, on referral from a GP. A chronic medical condition is one that has been or is likely to be present for at least six months. It may include, but is not limited to, conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, mental illness, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. Complex care needs means that you are receiving ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team, which includes your GP and at least two other health or care providers. Eligible patients can access up to $4,250 in Medicare benefits for dental services over two consecutive calendar years.

Further Information contact Medicare Australia Patient Enquiry Line on 132 011 or see the link provided: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Dental+Care+Services

New Companion Card
People with a disability who need the support of an attendant in order to participate in activities can sometimes be required to pay two admission fees – one for themselves and another for their companion. When purchasing a ticket to an event or activity at an affiliated business, Companion Card holders are issued with a second ticket for their chosen companion at no charge.
Email: cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
Phone: 13 13 04 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm)
Article: http://www.disability.qld.gov.au/support-services/carers/companion-card/

Twenty new financial counselling positions
Twenty new financial counselling positions around Australia will increase access to free counselling for people under increasing pressure from the global financial crisis.
The Australian Government is providing an additional $1.6 million to boost financial counselling services. Having access to free community-based financial counsellors will assist people to make informed decisions about their financial situation and how best to manage their financial affairs. See link below for current list of providers in each state:
http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/20_financial_positions_29jan09.htm

Disability Alliance - disability lobby group for the upcoming state election
Youve seen the website youve downloaded the Campaign Kit now help us take our message to the streets!
Come and support the Disability Alliance's media event outside Parliament House on Sunday, 8 March 2009.
When: 8:30am on Sunday, 8 March 2009
Where: Outside Parliament House on the corner of George and Alice Streets, Brisbane.
Queenslanders with disability are rallying to make a difference this election be a part of it!
More Information see: http://www.disabilityalliance.org.au/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Training, Conference and Expos:

Brisbane: Australian Red Cross
Vocational Training courses for people with a disability or *other barriers to employment. Need to register before start of course.
Eligibility Requirements:

• Disability Support Pension
• letter from a regular treating health professional or
• registered with a Disability Job Network Agency.
  
  All courses are Monday to Friday 8.30am-4:00pm. For more information Phone: (07) 3620 7428 or Email:
  asmith@redcross.org.au

Arafmi Qld is starting a support group for people aged 18 – 25 years who care for or about someone with a mental health issue. The group will meet monthly on a Monday night at Visible Ink located in Fortitude Valley (start date in March, to be decided).
To register interest or for further information contact Sharon on 32541881 or email supportgroups@arafmiqld.org

Brisbane: Arafmi - Inala Mental Health Carer Support Group
The group will commence 12th March and will meet every second Thursday of the month from 9.30 – 11.30am in the conference room 1st floor, Inala Community Health, 64 Wirraway Pde, Inala.
For further information contact Sharon on 32541881 or supportgroups@arafmiqld.org

Brisbane: Arafmi Training Workshops for 2009
26th March – Suicide Awareness
23rd April – Dual Diagnosis
21st May – Fit for Caring
27th June – Recovery
27th August – Boundary Setting
26th September – Effective Communication
29th October – Loss and Grief
28th November – Boundary Setting
The workshops will be held at Merthyr Uniting Church Hall.

For more information phone 32541881 or carereducation@arafmiqld.org

Headway Mackay – Support Group
Where: Fern Room 2. Community Health Centre 12-14 Nelson St, Mackay
When: First Friday of each month at 1pm.
Gold coin donation
The headway Mackay support group provides a change for people with a brain injury, family members, carers and friends to get together to chat and support one another.
Contact: Anne Jennings on 4968 3823

Gold Coast: 2009 National Conference on Caring: Building the Future with Family Carers
The conference will provide the opportunity to come together to exchange and develop knowledge and practice that will enhance carers’ health, well-being, financial security and choices – now and into the future.
Dates: The 9th and 10th of March 2009 at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
For any questions contact the Conference Secretariat, AST Management on Ph: 07 5528 2501; Fax: 07 5528 5291 or Email: carers9@astmanagement.com.au
To view the conference agenda see link below: http://www.astmanagement.com.au/Carers9/

The Shared Visions Disability Conference 2009
The conference provides a forum for people across the disability sector to share information and ideas, create new connections and encourage innovation to make a difference for people with disability.
Date: 2^nd and 3^rd April 2009
Cost: Full time employees $220
Part time employees $110
People with a Disability $50
Carers – Free
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Website: http://www.bcec.com.au/whats-on/event-details.aspx?id=208
For all conference enquiries, please Contact ICMS Australasia
Ph. (07) 3255 1002
Email: sharedvisions09@icmsaust.com.au

In the News and New Research:

SANE Australia Study
A new study by SANE Australia reveals people affected by mental illness are more likely to suffer from social isolation, loneliness and fewer close relationships. The results revealed that half of the respondents had no close relationships with others. The complete study can be downloaded from http://www/sane.org/information/research/html

New working group to improve access to air travel for people with disability
http://www.billshorten.com.au/press/index.cfm?Fuseaction=pressreleases_full&ID=1788

Boost for brain, spinal injury research
http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=549159

Cause of neuron disease found

http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20090203-18857.html

Exercise helps brains recover
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20081209-17943.html

Cognitive Rehab Helps People with Acquired Brain Injury, Analysis Finds http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090113155856.htm