This week’s topics

Editorial

The War

I was amazed and very disappointed to see that the live broadcasts by PM Mr Howard was not captioned, nor was it signed as far as I could see.  Is there any way VCOD can ensure that major important events, announcements are Signed or at the least captioned so all citizens can understand what is happening at these difficult times we live in.

VCOD received this email from a member.  VCOD too noticed this and against highlights the attitude the community has in ensure all people in the community are able to access information at critical times.  VCOD has email to AAD in regards to confirm that no captioning or interpreters were available.  If the reply confirms what the member says then hopefully AAD will follow this up.

The issue of no captioning and/or interpreters raised the issue for ALL Australian and that is how do Deaf people receive information that affects our lives.  For example if a bomb goes off in Australia or a National Terrorist Alert is given out by the Government, how will Deaf people get this information immediately??

Pay TV which is showing details of the war 24 hours a day do not have captioning, radio inaccessible for some so it does raise questions about Deaf people getting information.

We are grateful in some ways that Channel 7 and 9 do show captioning most of the time about the War but we need instant information if something is happens now.

One of the ways VCOD is planning to overcome this is via the mobile phone messaging service called TXT radio.   TxT Radio is a new service that VCOD will be launching in April/ May.  TxT radio will keep you in the news about things happening. For example you will get an sms about the any emergency or news breaking stories.  For example you will get news about the bombings, or the War or Shane Warne drugs story.  Anything news that effects Melbourne or Australia will be sent to you via sms on the mobile. So keep you eye out for more information soon.

VCOD’s news

·        VCOD Membership

·        DTAN forum 3^rd April

·        DDLS April 2^nd 2003

·        Deaf Culture Night III April 30^th (More info coming soon)

Other news

·        Cochlear Implant Seminar  (free)

·        British Government announce official recognition of British Sign Language

·        Deaf Cyclists win Golden Mile

·        SMS and Josie Hodgetts

·        H2H activities for 2003

·        Web Link

·        Other events

VCOD has now released the membership form for 2003 and you can join VCOD as an individual or an organisation.  Fee for individual is $30 ($5 rise due to overall cost of living going up such as stamps) and Organisations are $50 (no price rise)
You can ring Melanie on 9521 2466 to get a membership form or email admin@vcod.com.au or download from the web at  http://www.vcod.com.au/contactus/membership.html

Cathy Clark from the AAD Deaf telecommunication and Networking  Project will be in Melbourne on 3^rd April to encourage Melbourne people to “Have a Say.”

Details below

HAVE YOUR SAY!

National Community Consultation Workshop

MELBOURNE

Thursday 3^rd April 2002

TIME

At

F J Rose Room at VSDC in St Kilda RD

The Australian Association for the Deaf (AAD) is conducting a National Community Consultation Forum in Melbourne as part of the “Deaf Telecommunications Access & Networking” Project (DTAN). To date, Forums have been held n most Australian capital cities. AAD is now keen to find out issue of concern that affect Rural and remote Australia

The main reason for the Forum is to provide an opportunity for the Deaf people in Melbourne to inform AAD of their needs for future telecommunications access and here what is happening in this area.

¨   Disability Equipment Program

¨   Mobile phone

¨   STD / ISD call charges

¨   TTY payphones - where are they ?

¨   Level / Accessibility of carrier service access

¨   National Relay Service

¨   Future technology for the Deaf community.

So come along on 3^rd April at 7pm to have your say about telecommunication.  Please RSVP to Melanie by 2^nd April.  No interpreter/ loop has been booked but if you want one please let Melanie know asap.

Deaf Deaf World workshops will be held in Bendigo on 31^st March and Shepparton on 2^nd May. To check dates, cost etc go to www.vcod.com.au/whatsnews and click on left column called Deaf Deaf World.  If you like Deaf Deaf World at your work, then contact Melanie for more information at admin@vcod.com.au

This month Discrimination Service appointment has been cancelled due to illness.  The next one is on Wednesday May 7^th from 1pm to 4pm.  If you have any issues you feel you are being discriminated about, please contact Melanie to make an appointment at admin@vcod.com.au  This is a FREE Service and you do not have to pay for solicitor advice.  If you can not wait for May 7^th, you can ring Placido on 9602 4135 tty

The Victorian Council of Deaf People invites you to …

Deaf Culture Night III

“Farewell to Jolimont”

Wednesday 30^th April 2003

7.30pm

@ Deaf Community Centre Hall

Jolimont

6 Star Studded Guest Speakers

* Jokes * Stories * Deaf Culture

* Memories of Jolimont? Share them!

Members $10

Non-Members $7

To secure your tickets, please contact Melanie at VCOD on admin@vcod.com.au

All funds raised go to assist Brent who is going to World Deaf Federation Youth Camp in Canada in July 2003

In American debate is raging about Chrissy. Should she use signs to promote Deaf Culture and pride??  To read more go to www.vcod.com.au/whatsnews/media

Earlier today in Whitehall Andrew Smith, the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions and Maria Eagle, Minister for Disabled People gave a position statement on British Sign Language.

In the statement the Government recognises British Sign Language (BSL) as a language in its own right and will give careful consideration to any proposals which the Council of Europe’s Charter for Regional or Minority Languages might make.  The British Deaf Association (BDA) welcomes today’s announcement and confirms that they will continue to lobby for legislation supporting British Sign Language following this first crucial step.

For too long Deaf sign language users have been marginalised from society because of language barriers.  This announcement gives us hope for new initiatives that will truly address the key issues and empower Deaf people.  The BDA wishes to acknowledge the efforts of Deaf people throughout the UK in making the campaign that has been led by the BDA and the Federation of Deaf People a success.  It is hoped that today’s statement will place the implementation of new initiatives firmly in the hands of Deaf people, a real partnership between the Government and the sign language community.

Jeff McWhinney, Chief Executive of the BDA welcomed today’s announcement: “The British Deaf Association, the lead organisation of Deaf sign language users, has been campaigning for over 20 years for this decision and we are delighted to receive the news.  There is still a long way to go before equality is achieved, but this is a milestone achievement for the sign language community.  The BDA looks forward to working closely with the Government on this issue.  We will be holding a conference in May that focuses on the recognition of BSL.”

Public lecture at the University of Melbourne (Sunderland Theatre, Medical Building) from 6pm to 7pm Tuesday 1 April - "Have Cochlear Implants Cured Deafness" by Professor Richard Dowell. People who are interested in attending must RSVP first - they can either email gael@unimelb.edu.au or phone 038344 9800. 2 Auslan interpreters and loop will be available on the night

Deafness no problem for Golden Mile winner Van Beek (from D Barton Smith)

To read about Reece win go to www.vcod.com.au/whatsnews/media
 

Article in West Australian. Josie Hodgetts is mentioned in this

http://www.thewest.com.au/20030317/news/state/tw-news-state-home-sto91518.html

For more information about this groups that gathers for forms of communication contact Anthony Lill hairyant@optusnet.com.au
 
April  Sunday 6th 
12.00pm Mini Golf Wetlands Golf  & Games
703 Wellington Rd, Wheelers Hill

May  Sunday 18th
2.30pm Go Karting
Kirkham Rd West, Keysborough

June Saturday 14th

7.00pm DVD Night
28 Burgess Drive Langwarrin

July Saturday 19th
7.30pm Progressive Dinner
Venue TBA

August Sunday 10th
2.30pm Tenpin Bowling at Chadstone Bowl,
1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone

September Sunday 14th
2.30pm Rock Climbing Cliffhanger Climbing Gym
Cnr Grieve Pde & Dohertys Rd Altona North

October  Saturday 11th
7.30pm  Games Night, Cuppa & Supper
Venue TBA

November  Saturday 15th
2.30pm  RollerBlading, St Kilda Beach
Meet at Skate Hire shop in Fitzroy St

December Saturday 13th
1.00pm Christmas BBQ Cheltenham Park
Park St, Cheltenham Melways Map 86 G1.

'Using Disability Discrimination Law' is a free booklet published by Victoria Legal Aid, the Disability Discrimination Legal Service and

Villamanta Legal Service. 

This booklet is for people with disabilities, their carers and relevant workers. The booklet identifies what is and isn't disability discrimination according to the law. It covers the differences between state and federal laws and what is involved in making a complaint. It also outlines legal options and where to get more help.

The booklet was recently updated and focus tested with people with disabilities. Case studies and examples are used throughout.

Free copies can be ordered by emailing Chris ShelleyChrisSh@vla.vic.gov.au or phoning her on 9269 0223. Please feel free to order multiple copies.

Welcome to Bleriot Design Studio. Our business is helping make the website creative with low cost for the deaf people. We have the web advertisement hosting banner in providing all deaf people are viewing our website everyday. Advertise with us to connect yourself with the right companies for your business. As a professional we can create your banner or provide us your own banner into our website. Our goal is to actively promote your products and your company, so you can attract prospective buyers to your business or bring more deaf people view your website.

If you would like to visit our website at Deaf Web Announcements http://www.bleriotstudio.com/home.htm

A website from England.  For those who know Paul Bartlett you will may be interested to find out what he is up to.  Go to www.paulandstuart.com

From Deaf Arts Network

That’s the ways the news is for this week.

Please feel free to add any news you have by emailing to Grant at info@vcod.com.au

From Melanie, Fiona, Melissa and Grant

VCOD Staff