• The NSW Government has made granny flats, easier and faster to build. The changed regulations help families create a place for those who need a space of their own, like a family member with disability, elderly parents or those generation Y children who haven’t yet left home.

• The Chair of General Purpose Standing Committee No.2, Ms Robyn Parker MLC, has announced a new Inquiry into the provision of education to students with a disability or special needs.

• The National Disability and Carer Council launched its report “Shut Out: The experience of people with disabilities and their families in Australia".

• NSW Ombudsman's Report on individual planning in DADHC large residential centres. June 2009

• Australian Government’s response to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into Special Disability Trusts. May 2009

I want to know about...

F amily Advocacy is an independent, disability advocacy organisation which works across New South Wales, Australia. The organisation works with families in which there is a child or an adult with developmental disability. Our Vision is of families being agents of positive social change so that the inherent value of people with developmental disability is recognised within a just and inclusive society. Our Mission is to attain positive social roles for people who have a developmental disability. We achieve this through strengthening the knowledge, role and influence of families in the community. Our focus it to encourage and support families to speak up for opportunities for people with developmental disability to enjoy the same environment, lifestyle and living conditions that are available to the majority of Australians. This means we support the philosophy and practice of inclusion. Family Advocacy has members and allies in all parts of NSW and across Australia. Business hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.  No referral is required.  Information and telephone advice is provided at no cost to families of people with disability.

New articles have been posted on the website as follows:

• The Personalised Residential Supports Project 
• A guide to developing personalised residential supports (PRS) for adults with developmental disabilities and their families

Find these in the "I want to know about...SUPPORTED LIVING" section of the website. The first one is under 'research' and the 2nd is under 'Examples of Lifestyle Supports'.

The presentations of the speakers during the In Control Forum held on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 are available by clicking on the respective links below:

Introductory Remarks  by Belinda Epstein-Frisch of Family Advocacy

Peter Shergold Chair, Centre for Social Impact, UNSW on the ethical and economic imperative for self directed support

Lisa Minchin Service Reorientation Unit, Community and Individual Support Branch of Victorian Dept of Human Services on new opportunities

Maureen McLeish Direct payment recipient on behalf of her daughter

Jim Burns CEO Melba Support Service on the impact of the transformation on a large non government service

Lara Friedman Person with disability using self managed package

Judy Harwood Director Reform & Development DADHC on initiatives in packaged support in NSW

Workshop is now FULL. Please keep posted for upcoming events.

This workshop will explore ideas and strategies for building inclusive communities for people with disability.Guest speaker Ted Smeaton will explore an approach that families can embrace to highlight the strengths within our communities.

Please click here to view the flier.

Great response and feedback on the workshop held in Burwood, Hornsby, Wollongong and Newcastle in early November.  See the photos and read the feedback, click here!

This successful workshop is being held again next year at...

Parramatta   March 15

Penrith         March 16

Castle Hill     March 17

Gosford        March 18

Click here to view the flier. Venue details will be confirmed when registering.