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

Queensland Medical Cooling Rebate Campaign
Interested in securing a Queensland Medical Cooling Rebate for people affected by Thermoregulatory Dysfunction (a condition in which a person has difficulty regulating their own body temperature) in QLD?  People with thermoregulatory dysfunction and their family and friends are encouraged to write letters or organise meeting with your local MP to add to the campaign, that is focused on securing a rebate for those who need air-conditioning to keep cool for medical purposes. Your Say can have a lot of political impact.

People in QLD living with Thermoregulatory Dysfunction on low incomes find it difficult to cover the costs associated with running their air conditioner to keep cool. This includes many people living with MS, Spinal Cord Injury, Severe Brain Injury and other conditions.

If you are a person, family member or carer effected by this condition and interested in supporting this campaign you are encouraged to contact the Community Response Service on (07) 3367 1049 for further information.
Or contact the MS Advocates Program – Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland on (07) 3840 0823.
Resource: “Keeping Cool Survey: Policy Implications http://www.msaustralia.org.au/advocacy.asp

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
(NILS) provides interest free loans to people on low incomes, in the Brisbane North/South and Moreton areas of Carers Queensland for essential household items such as a fridge, washing machine or bed. You must have a health care or pension card to be eligible. To find out more please contact your local Carers QLD branch. PHONE: 1800 242 636

ARAFMI: Face-to-Face Counselling
For carers, family and friends of people with a mental health issue
The counselling sessions are held at the ARAFMI New Farm office on Monday and Wednesday Mornings.
Call the ARAFMI office on 3254 1881 to make an appointment.

Disability Action Week presents a free day of bowling
Where: Greenslopes AMF Bowling Centre
3 Chatswood Road Greenslopes 4120
When: Tuesday 15th September
Time: 10am- 2pm
To register contact: (07) 3358-4424 or email: ptadmin@mifq.org.au
http://www.disability.qld.gov.au/actionweek/about.html  

Training, Conference and Expos

MACKAY: “Voices – Inspiring Extraordinary Lives” A Disability Action Week Conference

It is being held In Mackay at Sky’s Function Room, Magpies Sporting Club, Glenella.

When:  Wednesday September 16th 2009 from 9 am to 4pm

We would like to support and encourage the attendance of members of our community with a disability and/or their carers. We are asking only for expressions of interest to encourage as many people to register as possible. Admission  and morning tea at the conference is free. We will be accepting up to 150 participants but only have lunch catering for 120 participants. However the club has a bistro downstairs where you may purchase a meal. 

For more Information and to Register Contact the Mackay and District Respite Care Association on (07) 4944 1989. For a full list of activities for Disability Action Week in the Mackay region see: http://www.disabilityactionweek.com.au/activities.html

BRISBANE: Carer workshops for people caring for someone with a mental health issue
Address: Uniting Church Hall, 52 Merthyr Rd (near corner of Watson St) New Farm from 9am-3pm
Dates is as followed:

• Sat 26th September - Effective Communication
• Thurs 29th October - Loss and Grief
• Sat 28th November - Boundary setting

Please book by either calling (07) 3254 1881 or email carereducation@arafmiqld.org

BRISBANE: Mental Health Week Information Session

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre West Morton
All carers Welcome

Topics
Mental Health Recovery
Laugh with Leigh
Lucky door prizes
Lunch and Morning Tea provided

Date- Thursday 8th October 2009
Time- 9am to 2:30pm
Place- Logan West Community Centre
2 Wineglass Drive Hillcrest

R.S.V.P. By Thursday 1st October 2009
Phone 1800 052 222

CAIRNS: Cairns Occupational Therapy is holding a FREE Health Seminar

It will focus on how we can assist your clients / your family / your friends / you with managing

• Headaches
• Niggling aches and pains
• Muscle tightness or joint pain

Using soft tissue treatment techniques and other OT interventions. Please call Cairns Occupational Therapy on (07) 4051 5504 for more information.    

In the News and New Research

Shut Out: The experience of people with disabilities and their families in Australia
http://www.billshorten.com.au/press/index.cfm?Fuseaction=pressreleases_full&ID=1980  

Australia accedes to the Disabilities Convention Optional Protocol  
http://www.billshorten.com.au/press/index.cfm?Fuseaction=pressreleases_full&ID=1978  

Non-Invasive Brain Surgery Moves A Step Closer
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807165836.htm

Stem Cell Surprise For Tissue Regeneration
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625085340.htm

Strong Link Found Between Concussions And Brain Tissue Injury
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115905.htm