April 22, 2009
Human Rights and people with disabilities
On 10 December 2008, the Commonwealth Attorney-General announced a national public consultation into the need for better human rights protection in Australia. The consultation is an historic opportunity for all Australians to have their say about the protection of human rights.
In February 2009 the Australian Human Rights Commission produced Lets Talk About Rights, a National Human Rights Consultation toolkit .
This information sheet covers some of the human rights issues faced by people with disabilities.
Suggested templates are attached to assist individuals and organisations make their own submissions on the issue.
www.humanrights.gov.au provides regular updates on what has been discussed so far as the face to face consultations occur in each state around the nation.
We encourage you to send in your submission by 15 June 2009.
April 7, 2009
Nominations for the 2009 National Disability Awards are now open!
Nominations are open to people with disability who have achieved something remarkable or made a significant contribution to our community, and people within our community who have contributed to the disability sector.
Does someone outstanding spring to mind? Nominate them for a National Disability Award by visiting www.idpwd.com.au or phone 1800 440 385.
The 2009 award categories are:
Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award for a person, over 25 years of age, with or without disability who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary personal commitment to improving and/or reshaping the lives of people with disability.
Disability Rights Young Leader Award for a young person, 12-25 years of age, with disability who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in improving the lives of people with disability.
Business Award for a person with or without disability who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes, in advancing the lives of people with disability in areas such as transport, housing, communication and technology. No age limit.
Local Government Award for a person who has challenged or lobbied, and has succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability. No age limit.
Social Inclusion Award for a person who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disability to participate in areas such as sport, the arts, education and the wider community. No age limit.
Nominations close Friday 22 May 2009.
For more information on the awards, and to order a nomination pack, visit www.idpwd.com.au or call 1800 440 385. TTY users please phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 440 385.
The National Disability Awards are part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
Award finalists will be invited to attend the National Disability Awards Ceremony at Parliament House, in Canberra on 23 November 2009
March 11, 2009
The PWD(WA) March 2009 Newsletter can be downloaded here
PDF Version Word Version The following flyers were also included in this edition of the newsletter:
Farewell Kaye Regan - PDF Farewell Kaye Regan - Word
Disability Future Directions 2025 - Word Disability Future Directions 2025 - PDF
February 12, 2009
Victorian Bushfires
People With Disabilities (WA) would like to extend our sincere sympathies to all those affected by the Victorian bushfires. We know that this tragedy has changed so many lives. We are acutely aware that people with disabilities are often very vulnerable in situations such as these and that disaster responses and reconstruction can be a further challenge. We encourage all our members to support our fellow Aussies in Victoria and donate to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal 2009.
Donations can be made via a secure form on the Australian Red Cross website https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp or by phoning 1800 811 700.