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

Service and Government Updates around Queensland:

Petition for ‘Power subsidy for people with thermoregulatory dysfunction’
Thermoregulatory Dysfunction is suffered by people with a variety of medical conditions and disabilities including people suffering from: stroke, head injury, neuro-degenerative conditions (Parkinsons, Motor Neurone and Huntingtons diseases). People with this condition often rely on either airconditioning or heating to maintain a safe body temperature, which can lead to high amounts of power usage and enormous costs.To support the E-Petition for a Power Subsidy for people with Thermoregulatory Dysfunction in Queensland see link to petition below.
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1191&lIndex=-1

QLD Police Service – Launch of the Special Needs Action Plan with Police (SNAPP) Initiative in Logan Police District
The Special Needs Action Plan with Police (SNAPP) Project is a recent initiative from Logan district that aims to incorporate both the Special Needs Component of the Operational Procedures Manual and Queensland Police Service Disability Action Plan into one collaborative initiative. The SNAPP project priorities include helping first response officer’s deal with people who are vulnerable working in partnership with other agencies to reduce their involvement in the criminal justice system. The first reference group meeting took place in November 2008 at District head quarters and was attended by a range of service providers who represent special needs cliental, including both government and non-government agencies. Future meeting times for the reference group are still to be announced.

Fee-free Access to Interpreters for Disability Services Queensland funded services
Non-Government Organisations funded by Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) can now access fee-free interpreters and translators services through SWITC. All DSQ funded services are eligible including funded mental health and HACC services.
The service can be accessed to support-
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Australian South Sea Islanders
• Deaf or hard of hearing who use sign language as their primary mode of communication
• Blind or visually impaired who use Braille for written communication

SWITC is administered by Deaf Services Queensland.
If you would like to make a booking or to find out more please contact Carmel Murphy or Pauline Tanzer on 07 3892 8559 or visit: www.switc.org.au

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program
People with a chronic medical condition and complex care needs under the EPC program may be eligible for a Maximum of five (5) allied health services each calendar year. This chronic medical condition needs to be managed by your GP under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. A chronic medical condition includes conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and musculoskeletal conditions.
Contact Medicare on 132 011
Website: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Allied+Health+and+Dental+Care+initiative

New Open Minds Program: Lifelong Planning Support Program Redland Shire
Description: New program providing information and referrals for services, resources and supports in the Redlands Shire.
• The program provides assistance to family, carers friends and service providers
• short term support and assistance for people who have a disability or a mental health issue
For more information contact Open minds Lifelong Planning Support Officer
Suite 7, 39 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba QLD 4157
Ph. (07) 3891 3711

Training, Conference and Expos:

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 (07) 4968 3823

In the News and New Research:

Study backs dual therapy for brain cancer
Nearly 10 percent of brain cancer patients who received radiation in combination with chemotherapy were still alive five years after diagnosis, the best long-term survival rate ever reported for a group of patients stricken with the aggressive tumor. http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/03/09/study_backs_dual_therapy_for_brain_cancer/

Stem cell repair kit for stroke
A novel matrix of neural stem cells and a biodegradable polymer can quickly repair brain damage from stroke in rats. http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22263/?a=f

Clues found to brain mechanisms behind migraines
Scientists believe they may have found the biological trigger to a particular type of migraine headache. http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/11/clues-found-to-brain-mechanism-behind-migraines.html