CFN: 15925

JANUARY 2016This Newsletter comes to you from the Hand Over Hand Club.  The club is a self-determining group of people with both hearing and vision loss. It is an important part of the DeafBlind Association of NSW and is assisted by Vision Australia formerly Royal Blind Society of NSW. The club provides interesting outings, information and social interaction for its members. The newsletter is produced in Braille, Large Print, Regular size print, as a word doc, on CD and can be sent by e-mail.

Put yourself on the mailing list by ringing Janne Bidenko 029456 2372 /0432 570 210 Voice OR send a fax to DBA FAX: 02 9744 0171 Fax anytime OR e-mail to dbansw@bigpond.com.

Our website address is: http://www.dbansw.org.au

We meet on the last Saturday of each month except December.

We welcome all articles from members.

Articles, inquiries, comments and general correspondence may be sent to:

The Deafblind Association (NSW)

P.O. Box 1295

Strathfield NSW 2135

This month’s articles:

- JANNE’S CORNER- RAFFLE DRAW- BIRTHDAYS

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RAINBOW NEWS

- DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) REPORT FOR 2015 – Janne Bidenko

- DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) INC – MINUTES OF AGM JANUARY 2015- Ros Sackley

- ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR’S REPORT FOR 11TH

DECEMBER 2015 –DBA(NSW) BOARD MEETING – Diane de Souza- SUNRUN FUNDRAISER FOR DEAFBLIND – Lisa Chen- LIFE’S WORTH – LISA CHEN- HAVING A SAY CONFERENCE 2016 – Lisa Chen- OPAL CARD INFORMATION- NOTICE OF AGM - DBA/HAND OVER HAND ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING, SATURDAY 30th JANUARY 2016 – Janne Bidenko- APPENDIX 1 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ASSOCIATION

JANNE’S CORNER

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you have all had a Happy Christmas and have celebrated well with those around you. I was lucky to have the family with me at my place, after celebrating Walt’s 21st birthday here the week before, so it was an ongoing feast of not only food but conversation as well.

This of course followed on from our DBA Christmas Party at Kakoda café and again at Craft and the December meeting. We had a Christmas tree at all of them and some lovely gifts.

Tony, Irene and I also called in on the Association of Blind Citizens’ Christmas morning tea, where we had them draw our Christmas Raffle.

RAFFLE PRIZES

1st Michelle Neville, Rydalmere2nd Ashwyn de Souza, Epping3rd Linda, Association of Blind Citizens4th N. Birdsey, West Pennant Hills

This is our AGM edition so we will concentrate mainly on this, with a copy of 2015 AGM minutes, and reports for 2015, to be presented at the AGM.

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BIRTHDAYSA Very Happy Birthday to all our January birthday celebrants, and also to Lisa whose birthday comes before Rainbow comes out. A special wish goes to Chris who turns 40 on the 25th.January 1 Leslie Byrnes

2 Iain McDonald9 John Hebblewhite

22 Jade Engelhardt 25 Chris Hammond 28 Linda FinucaneFebruary 5 Lisa Chen

DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) REPORT FOR 2015 – Janne Bidenko

What a thought-provoking year 2015 has been, firstly having received the bequest at the end of 2014, investing the money and advertising in April, for a staff person we could finally pay for, was very exciting.

Then there have been many meetings towards the July 2016 start of the NDIS in Sydney, which began in July 2015. These have been interesting, with combined FACS and NDIA meetings by the end of the year, and being able to make good contacts. It was rewarding being able to raise issues of deafblindness, which were not really listened to when there was no likelihood of NSW funding, but we feel more positive can now be addressed for Deafblind people with the Federal funding.

There is much work to do though. Krystel Keller started work for PWDA in June, they received DSO (disability support organisation) funding from an organisation in South Australia, “Purple Orange”, to talk to Vision Impaired and Deafblind people about their planning for the NDIS. She has started to do this, but it is hard with Deafblind people, because of the need for so many interpreters. I hope all Deafblind people reading this will join in her groups so that they will be prepared for their NDIS Planning meetings.

Our new Administrative Co-ordinator, Diane de Souza, started work 2 days per week in July, so she has been very much involved in all of these meetings as well as supporting the Self-Advocacy Group, Irene, Carleeta and Mark in their meetings with politicians. She has experienced a very fast learning curve in deafblind matters, although she had come to DBA with a vast disability knowledge. She has already shown her good negotiating skills in deafblindness. Tony Hirst also started 1 day per week in June, keeping the office running with computers, printers and stationery, as well as keeping his Data Base up-to-date and helping with ‘Rainbow’.

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2015 HOH ACTIVITIES – monthly from February to November. Surfing at Collaroy Apple picking at Bilpin Australian Reptile Park, Gosford Tenpin Bowling Lidcombe Gala Luncheon in the Macquarie Room at Parramatta RSL

27th June, to celebrate DB Awareness week as it fell on Helen Keller’s actual birthdate, she was born 135 years ago.

Christmas in July, around a log fire at Bobbin Head Café Madame Tussaud’s, Darling Harbour Swimming at Ryde Pool Rivercat from Rydalmere to Circular Quay then Ferry to Manly. Finishing up with our Christmas Party at Kakoda Café 28/11/15.

Once again we did not succeed in having a weekend away as we had planned for Anzac weekend, because it fell on the Saturday, it was not declared a public holiday. However, being on a Sunday in 2016 and has been declared a holiday, we have already booked for Berry Sport and Rec camp, to leave Sydney late Friday 23 rd

afternoon and return on Monday afternoon 26th .

CRAFTUnfortunately, Christine was unable to continue with Craft in 2015, but she was succeeded by 2 great volunteers, Phylis Choi and Ria Rayco, who introduced the group to new and interesting craft throughout the year.

ADVOCACYOur Self-Advocacy Group, Irene, Carleeta and Mark used their $5000 very efficiently throughout 2015. They will now be seeking further funding to carry on their work in 2016. They have made a great impact, especially with the DVD they made, which has been very well received by FACS and other organisations, as well as the people they have personally been advocating with. DBA continues its advocacy through DNF, the peak advocacy body in NSW, Diane has started to attend these as well as me.

FUNDRAISINGWe have continued to fundraise at Bunnings, thanks to our intrepid crew of Mick Plowman and Andrew Pickup, who do the buying and run the BBQ days, with the help of good volunteers. We had 3 Bunnings in 2015, totalling $3,056 and Raffles totalling $1,434. We also did Brailling for My Choice Matters earning $2,014.

We were slightly disappointed though, with the sudden downturn in the economy, it did mean that the interest rate at ING dropped suddenly from the expected 3.5% to 1.9%, for investing our bequest money. Interest on investment was $3,575.34 for the first 6

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months, the 2nd due shortly. Our original investment is still on the higher interest. Returns on our Shares has also been lower than expected, which was predicted to be around $22,775 and was in fact halved to $11,351. However, there was a further payment from the bequest in September of $8,744. Hopefully shares will start to improve next year, although we are quite solvent, and do not have any concerns for the year ahead.

DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) INC AGM MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 2015- Ros Sackley

Minutes of the DBA Annual General Meeting, 31 January 2015, held at Burwood RSL. –The meeting opened at 1.25pm, Mark Hoarau in the chair. Mark welcomed everyone to our first gathering of the year and hoped that the Christmas festivities had been relaxing and that everyone was ready for this year’s work.

ROLL CALL: Mark Hoarau, Janne Bidenko, Irene McMinn, Leanne Brims, Tony Hirst, Linda Finucane (interpreter) Ken Deacon (interpreter) Andy Pickup, Shane McDonagh, Dalcie Brawand, Osanne Pangilinan, Matt Cooper, Joe Uelese, Ros Sackley, Janeen Horne, Gail Bourne, David Dawson, Juanita Mcleod (interpreter) Robert and Nell Bennett, Joe Habib, Carolyne Hindmarch (interpreter) Gaie Barrett, Leonie James Ahenkan, Kwame Ahenkan.

APOLOGIES: Rebecca Dunkley, Christine Mitchell, Leesma Tyrrell, Peter Risby.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: were not available but Janne reported that the most important items were the installation of the Reckon software, 2013 Auditor’s Report and information about the establishment of the new Website. The auditors reports for 2013 and 2014 are available for anyone to read.

Janne read the 2014 Report and stated that there are some pleasant surprises for DBA in 2015 and beyond.

REPORT FOR 2014 – Janne Bidenko

2014 has been an interesting year, I have been back on deck all year, and I am looking forward to a year where DBA moves ahead and consolidates all that it has achieved in the past but with renewed resources.

2014 ACTIVITIES – monthly from February to November Surfing at Collaroy

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Ferries from Rydalmere to Manly and fish & chips by the water Featherdale Wildlife Reserve Ferry to Watsons Bay and lunch Deafblind Awareness Week with Outing to Cardiff RSL 22nd and Tenpin

Bowling Lidcombe 28th

Christmas in July at Royal Cricketers Arms Prospect Elizabeth Farm Parramatta Australian Museum Cockatoo Island Christmas Party Kakoda Track Concord

We did not have a weekend away again last year because of the 9 th National Deafblind Conference, we had missed in 2013 when I was incapacitated, but we will definitely have one this year.

9TH NATIONAL DEAFBLIND CONFERENCE – was held 7-9 June at the Mercure Hotel, this was organised by Trish Wetton, Forsight Australia, but with a committee from DBA and Guide Dogs.

CRAFT – has welcomed a new Facilitator, Christine Hill, and we look forward to some new and innovative craft this year and maybe another volunteer to help Christine, currently showing interest through NSW Volunteering.

ADVOCACY – 3 of our members Irene McMinn, Mark Hoarau and Carleeta Manser undertook Leadership training with ‘My Choice Matters’, they then gained funding from this organisation to set up a Self-Advocacy Group and make a DVD interviewing Deafblind people, showing different communication methods and talking about their lives. They will take these DVDs out to the community as they speak up for all Deafblind people, the DVDs will also be on sale for $10. Subsequently Irene made a submission to Clubs funding and they received $5,000 from Burwood RSL to advocate with politicians, community groups, TAFE, schools etc, paying for their taxi fares, guides and interpreters.

FUNDRAISING – we employed a professional fundraiser, Jacqueline Parmenter this year to attempt to get Government funding to employ a person in the office, unfortunately this was not successful, and also there will be no more Fuel Vouchers supplied by NSW Government.

However, the fundraising team working very hard on Bunnings Sausage Sizzles raised $4,870, our sincere thanks go to the volunteers who manned these. The two raffles raised $1117, unfortunately there were only 2 people selling tickets so maybe this year

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more people can take tickets to sell. DBA also did some work for My Choice Matters raising $583.

BEQUEST – at the end of the year we received an enormous surprise, a wonderful elderly gentleman from Burwood, who always took an interest in DBA left us shares, and money which we will now invest. The dividends from the shares, and interest from the money is predicted to raise $30,000 in 2015, which will mean we will be able to employ a person in the office (which we had tried to get Government funding for) 2 days per week/12 hours per week. This now means that DBA(NSW) will remain viable into the future, and will not disappear, as was the worry with losing the older volunteers to run the organisation, alongside the management committee. We are also blessed with some enthusiastic young volunteers who will assist alongside them. Hopefully we will also have an amount of income, to help cover other costs of making life better for Deafblind people by increasing activities, paying interpreters, paying for conferences, subsidising outings, volunteer fuel, bus hire etc. However, we will still need to fundraise this year if we are to remain financial, maybe into the future if Australia’s financial situation improves, our investments will suffice.

Members at the meeting were extremely pleased with Janne’s report and there was a lot of clapping to express their pleasure.

Janne then called on Tony Hirst as Returning Officer, to conduct the election of office bearers for 2015The following members were nominated and elected unopposed:PRESIDENT: Mark HoarauVICE PRESIDENT: Gaie Barrett CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: Irene McMinnTREASURER: Peter Risby MINUTE SECRETARY: Ros Sackley COMMITTEE MEMBERS: nomination of Deaf Blind members – Felicity Douglas, Leanne Brims, Brett McCreath, Joe Habib, Jannetta Simpson, all accepted nomination.

Nominations of associate members – Janeen Horne, Osanne Pangilinan, Matt Cooper, Joe Uelesi and Shane McDonagh, all accepted nomination.

There was some discussion relating to deaf blind and associate members and Janne explained that two thirds of committee members must be deaf blind and one third be comprised of other interested members.

SUBCOMMITTEES TO BE DECIDED AT GENERAL MEETING 13th February 2015. Nell nominated herself to be on the Hand Over Hand subcommittee and was accepted.

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BACK TO AGMSUGGESTED HOH ACTIVITIESLONG WEEKEND AWAY 25-27 APRILIrene McMinn – Kiama and JamberooNell – Milson IslandOther suggestions – Point Wollstonecraft (similar to Milson Island but newer and ½ way to NewcastleJannetta – Berry Sport & Recreation (similar to Milson Island & Point Wollstonecraft) & JamberooHOHSailors with disabilities at PenrithGosford Reptile Park (also has kangaroos & a giant turtle) - JannettaShane and Juanita suggested Dubbo Zoo and it was agreed that more information was needed. Nell offered to find out more as she comes from Dubbo. David suggested the museum, the zoo and the theatre.Currently we have surfing at Collaroy for FebruaryBilpin fruit orchard for March and more outings to be confirmed throughout the year. BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLESThank you to all volunteers that worked so hard in 2014, especially at the Bunnings BBQs. I shall be back this year after a long break, and we hope to have the same appreciated volunteer commitment.DATES: 15th February 2015,

Janne read the following report to members:

PROJECTED INCOME AND LIABILITIES FOR 2015The Capital of ½ a million dollars will remain invested for DeafBlind Association (NSW) into the future, and will assure ongoing social support and advocacy for Deafblind people and the income for this.

Money in Working A/C December 2014 – $13,789 and January 2015 with bequest - $283,500 of which $250,000 will be invested in ING with $33,500 being kept in working account as reinforcement, as our working account does not attract interest.

INCOME: Current investment in ING $28,274.96, matures March, we will retain this to keep accruing funds, return for 2012+2013 - $1563.89, but the return for March 2015 will not be as much as this, as interest rates have dropped, expected return $549.85 making total $28,824.81.

Invest in ING in 2 stages – Feb $125,000, August $125,000 so that interest of 3.5% - $4,375 will be paid twice per year.FONT Size 14 Page 8

Ord Minnett, the top Australian Broker has predicted that share dividends will be low this year, but will improve by next year.So their 2015 predicted Income from Shares - $22,775 spread over March, April, July, September October & December.

Therefore expected income for 2015 from bequest - $31,525 Plus income as taken from 2014 figures Fundraising - $6,570Donations - $5,240GST refund $600Interest - $1,500 $13,910 Proposed income 2015 - $45,435

LIABILITIES: Wages of Office Co-ordinator $15,600Plus oncosts $1,000 = $16,600

Fuel for Hand Over Hand & volunteers $1,000Insurance $2,000Telephone/internet $1,200Post office Box $500Office expenses & petty cash $1,000Photocopier maintenance/paper $700Cost of printing Rainbow $600Website $200Subscriptions $400 $7,000

Costs for increased Deafblind participation as required in bequestExtra HOH $2,000Interpreters $2,000Conferences & meetings etc for Deafblind people $16,000 - $20,000

Maximum proposed spending 2015 - $40,000

Janne read this report and there was much discussion on the benefits of general participation for deafblind people and their supporters.Janne stated that the provision for DB people to attend conferences is extremely important and gave an example of the WFDB gathering in May 2015.

This conference will be in Romania and Janne asked those present if some of this funding could be used for Irene McMinn and a supporter to attend to represent

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DBANSW. Janne stated that the cost of this would be approximately $8,500. Janne explained that Irene had raised $5,000 for advocacy this year and has worked very hard.Members were very supportive and Janne’s proposal was accepted.

Janne reported that the advertisement for the office worker will be ready to send very soon.

GENERAL BUSINESS: Issues to be discussed before next General Meeting. Janne asked permission to purchase a mobile phone for the co-ordinator to use and a cordless phone for the office. The mobile would be prepaid and topped up each month. Janne’s proposal was accepted.

Juanita asked if an extraordinary meeting would be called to look at the constitution so that DBANSW could move forward and become a professional organisation.

Janne stated that this would mean more professional people on the committee but considers it imperative that the committee remains in the hands of DB people. Janne welcomes input by professionals but would not like to see professional people running the organisation.

Janeen agreed with Janne and stated that even if the constitution was revised there would be no reason to change the composition of the Committee. Janeen suggested that some Committee members could be encouraged to participate in Governance training.

Juanita stated that for some time now there has been dialogue about DBA becoming the Peak body in NSW which would mean that our standards would have to be raised to meet with Government requirements and accountability.

Janeen stated that there is room for training and the development of a Strategic Plan and also keeping the original participation of DB people on the Committee.

Ken advised not to make a revised constitution too prescriptive and stated that Articles of Association can be written for specific purposes. He said that he knows of an excellent governance training course which he highly recommends.

Janne reported that Mark, Irene and Carleeta participated in leadership training last year and recommends that other members of the Committee be encouraged to participate in this course. Janne advised that DBA(NSW) is already recognised as the peak advocacy organisation even though it’s not funded. Janne and Irene attend the

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Disability Network Forum each month. This is a meeting of all the peak advocacy organisations in NSW so DBA’s work is widely known through this gathering.

There was more discussion on the constitution and extraordinary meeting and Juanita clarified that she would be pleased if the Committee participated in training.Ken asked if sub committees already existed and if there were terms of reference to guide their work. Janne clarified that this would be discussed at the first Committee meeting of the year. Janne stated that sub committees were always formed for Hand Over Hand, DeafBlind Awareness week and a Finance sub-committee may have to be formed for the first time this year. A strategic Plan will need to be worked on so a sub-committee may have to be established.

Janne then spoke about the Deafblind Forum which will be held on February 18 and will involve all organisations giving support to deafblind people in NSW. This meeting will assist in the development towards a Strategic Plan for the future. Janne reported that 2 people will be coming from Newcastle representing Vision Australia and the Deaf Society. The meeting will be at 10am at the DBA office at 4 Mitchell Street Enfield. An Able Australia representative will be attending and Janne stated that it’s about time that everyone pulled together to improve the lives of DB people in NSW. Mark agreed with this and Janne stated that this is a crucial time to work together.

Before the close of the meeting, Nell thanked Juanita for her work with DBA and wished her well with her studies in Adelaide.

Janne reminded everyone that the first general meeting will be held on 13 th February 2015 at DBA Office VA, Enfield, however we have not been able to change to 5pm, so this will still be 6pm.

Mark closed the meeting at 2.45pm.

NEXT AGM – 30th January 2016

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR’S REPORT FOR 11 TH DECEMBER 2015 –DBA(NSW) BOARD MEETING – Diane de Souza

External meetings:Peer Support Meeting with PWDA – Krystel Keller NDIS planning for people with disabilities -28/10/15Self-Advocacy meeting support with minute taking and Action tasks including, compilation of lists of TAFE colleges and contacts for SA group to go and speak to TAFE students – 11/11/15

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ADHC Capacity Building Workshop for parents at Punchbowl Public School around the NDISFeedback given to team about workshop modification for DB people- 18/11/15ADHC Capacity Building workshop meeting to decide on content of workshops for DB people with NDIS planning – 25/11/15 (Janne, Mark, Irene, Carleeta, attended)Social Housing event – day seminar 2/12/15 conducted by NCOSSInclusion Morning Tea hosted by ADHC (Burwood RSL) to meet local businesses and community groups to encourage a them to take up the opportunities the NDIS will bring for them 8/12/15DB Consultative Forum – will continue to develop this relationship as Carla Anderson will Chair meetings for 2016 and I will take meeting minutes and assist with organisation of the meetings; liaise with participants 10/12/15

Future Networking:Visit to Able Australia on Feb 2016 to discuss how the two organisations can work together.Consult with a friend around the development of the website and social media initiativesConsult with business manager about the strategic plan developed to formulate a business planContinue ADHC meetings and meeting with Inner West – Kristen Vine and Central office Individual Planning Directorate end of Jan 2016 – Annalee Fortunado.Meeting with NDIA at Nepean/Blue Mountains trail site – Tessa Duncan

Professional development:Income generation Seminar with Pathways Australia – 22/10/15. There are a number of opportunities to pursue with fundraising and income generation - Deafblindness workshop co-chaired by Able Australia; Vision Australia and Deaf Society – Epheta Centre, Punchbowl 31/10/15Parliamentary Submission writing workshop 11/11/15Will be enrolling in the Deaf Education Network AUSLAN course in Jan/ Feb 2016Join the ADBC in 2016

Organisational Initiatives:Meeting with Consultant regarding Strategic Planning workshop for the Board of DBA of NSWOutcomes suggested there are a number of funding sources that could be followed up with Local Councils and Community websites under the banner of Inclusion but a Strategic Plan is necessary to know where the organisation is going and to attract funding of any sort. A workshop for pre planning for a Strategic Plan could be done in January and then a Strategic Plan could be written and presented to the AGM at the end of January. This

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will be necessary to attract funding in the future. The consultant we spoke to from Harris Bromly could run this workshop. Who would attend will be a factor and resources needed to support Board members. A 3 hour session.A SWOT Analysis was discussed with Janne 9/12/15. Role and responsibilities were divided. My observations over the last months have translated to some important considerations for the Board

Strengths:Greatest strength of DBA of NSW is the amount that has achieved with so little, initiatives are taken with few resources. So much has been achieved since 1989. Social contact and advocacy.

Weaknesses:Weaknesses that are most prominent is the reliance on Janne Bidenko and that DBA must plan for Janne’s eventual retirement as EPO. The other major weakness is the lack of funding and inability to attract funding.Time is spent on service provision for individuals. This is not the role of a peak bodyThe focus of the Organisation is not clear – this has to be very apparent to external organisations to attract investment.Board Members need to take a stronger role in promoting the organisation.

Opportunities:Changes to the Constitution that will attract new members – with a disability and without a disability A strategic plan will allow DBA of NSW to plan for the next 5 years.Board members should have job descriptions - accountabilityNDIS per planning workshops with partnersWork with other organisations to develop resources for communication guide training and interpreter guidesHave a greater social media presence – FB and twitterLinks on website to resources for NDIS planningSelf-Advocacy group can promote DBA of NSW in the actions it has planned for 2016Funding submissions to a variety of places in community and corporateThreats:Without funding DBA will not be able to continue and use up current funds. Other organisations will move into the DB space in NSW

Policy developmentDraft policies will be reviewed – has been a low priority with so many external meetings about NDIS.Drafts will be circulated and feedback gained. DBA policies could be launched at AGM in 2016.

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SUNRUN FUNDRAISER FOR DEAFBLIND – Lisa Chen

Hello. My name is Lisa and I am Deafblind young woman.

I would love it if you can promote this page of the fundraising organisation to ask them for generous support for donation and to raise awareness about Deafblind and people with disabilities. And you are welcome to spread the words to this page to your families and friends etc. to ask for their generous supports. Thanks.

The reason why I am writing to you is because I am joining a marathon which will happen on 6th of February. This time it's the run for 7km. I am not doing this for myself, I am doing this to raise awareness about Deafblind and the people with disabilities to bring the community to build strong and equal to reward the community to support each other no matter what cultures, religions etc. to ensure that the community have the human rights per person to stand up and speak for themselves. That's my aim since I returned from Melb in Nov for Deaf Mental Health Conference.I am determined to advocate for the community to have human rights for people with disabilities and Deafblind people because I had personal experiences related to the human rights and I do not want to see anyone to suffer the same way I had been through in tough situations in my darkest past. That's why I have the passion for human rights since I was little girl who had watched my mother who had fought and advocated for my rights since I had entered into this world because she wanted me to have the equal education like anyone without a person labelled a person with disability, that a child can't do anything because of his or her disability. That's why I want to do the same for the community to ensure that everyone especially the young adolescents receive supports from right services and education to give them the opportunities in the future to achieve their dreams, what they want to become without barriers.

I hope you do understand and hope you will take a look into this page to help me to achieve the goal to complete another mission to raise awareness about Deafblind and the people with disabilities. Thanks for listening.

Here is the link: https://coleclassic2016.everydayhero.com/au/aware-about-deaf-blind

Thanks. And have a wonderful happy new year, everyone :)Kind Regards,  LisaLIFE’S WORTH by Lisa Chen

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Hello. My name is Lisa and I am Deaf Blind young woman. I would like to share my story and my experiences to you to raise the aware about Deaf Blind and the people with disabilities for International Day of People with Disabilities. I hope you will enjoy read it.

I born with Deafness, Pierre Robin Syndrome, Charge Syndrome and OCD. I grew up in hearing family and I am the eldest of three children.

Accord to my mother – I attend to Pre School and Primary School for Deaf to learnt sign language in English. Also, I wore hearing aid on my left ear since I was one or two to heard everything around me and communicated with my family through the basic sign language or alphabet.

Until I was ten years old – I stumbled into two different incidents had caused me to became more cautious and cold toward the other students around me since then.

At twelve years old, I went to mainstream high school because the primary school closed down and I skipped the grade sixth for personal reason. And I learnt another new sign language – Auslan and American but I completed most of American Sign Language.

I became colder and more cautious toward the groups in high school because of trust issue. Despite I never fit in their groups and I always been out of loop for personal reason.

I select to ignored them and turned my attention to completed studies to lead me to became the top student from grade seventh to eighth in most of classes for personal reason, but, my plans had destroyed when I met my first ex – boyfriend at sixteen whom had taught me about life that made me completed forgot about my future plans because of love at that time.

As I reached grade tenth, I was planned to dropped out and heading to TAFE to study my own choice course, but, my mother refused and demand me to completed high school so I struggled to completed grade eleventh and twelfth. I finally finished HSC.

On the other hand – I was still struggled to hunted any jobs to suitable me despite of discrimination and racism around me.

I went to TAFE to study Business Admin, but, it was not my type of dream career and still determined to hunted down to any jobs relate to that course despite discrimination was everywhere around me.

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Until I was nineteen, I left my family home and went off to explore on the journey to searched the answers about myself and my future that caused the us to torn apart from each other because of personal reasons.

At 21 years old, I stumbled into situation that caused me to lose my sight for permeant that cause my family worried and upset about whole thing. I returned to my family home to apology and had debated myself about my future whether I should became bitter person or change to different person with positive attitude.

After six months later, a guardian angel approached to my window and said, “It was time to change!” and I was stared at the angel like I was in dream world before I blinked my eyes for several times, but, the voice kept rang in my head to remind me it was real. I finally turned to discussed with my family that I wanted to change and wanted to refresh my life again from now on. That was the sign of evidence that it is okay to be Deaf Blind and be proud of it.

Afterward, I started to attend to another TAFE to study Retail despite it was not my choice for my future career then I transferred to another TAFE to study community service. I found my passionate in Community Service to support the people with disabilities, advocate and teacher to the children with special needs like Autism etc.

Through the Community Services studies, I had received wonderful supports from teachers, interpreters, notetakers and TAFE Consultants.

During the certificate 4, I had been through the discrimination from previous Consultant and left me unsure what to do while I was doing the work placement in Vision Australia at that time.

My sister who always had support me so much since I became blind at 21 and was upset about the discrimination situation before she came with me to provide an support to me and demand to HR about the discrimination situation. It took me 5 weeks to returned my normal schedule through the process of complain from other witnesses who had support me at that time.

Finally, I completed work placement at Vision Australia and decided to quit my first job that I had been worked there for 3 years despite the wages was not that good, but, it doesn’t bother me at all.

Since this year had started – I decided to changed everything and decided to booked interpreters through NABS services for the future appointments instead of using my family member for the communicate.FONT Size 14 Page 16

Around April, I met the famous speaker and idol of mine, Nick V in person. He was the most amazing man I ever met. His message had touched me the most.

I was determined to kept contacted Deaf Society of NSW to request for work placement about fifth times before the supervisor and the manager finally agreed to given me the work placement for 4 months.

Through the work placement – I met new people and old people that gave me more knowledge, understand and motivated to support Deaf Blind Community.

After the work placement, I decided to increase the communication and social life to particular more events like HOH, Usher group and senior group, Self – Advocate group, Deaf Blind Meeting, Ephpheta Center and many more to meet new people and seek any volunteers who might be interest to support Deaf Blind Community.

I took the first step to travelled to Melbourne to attended Deaf Mental Health Conference to gained more knowledge and experiences there by myself. And I already arranged with Able Australia to support me during my trip. Also, the motel I was current staying was comfortable and incredible support. All thanks to my family and Able Australia to support me.

On the other hand – I lost an special companion who had lived with me for 4 years before she passed away in short time. I still loved her and always will cherished her in my heart always.

Also, I just recently finished completed Diploma Community Service and already handed the portfolio for the work placement at the same time.

It took me about seventh times to become the volunteer under Deaf Society of NSW to support usher group, senior group and any social events relate to deaf blind community to support them.

My future plans to attend to university to study and TAFE, holiday trips, attend many conferences or any meetings to become more aware about Deaf Blind.

I want to study Social Worker, Special Education, Social Science (Psychologist), Community Welfare, Psychologist/Counsellor and Teaching at Uni plus Education Support at TAFE before become teacher, welfare advocate, psychologist/counsellor and supporter worker to support the people with special needs like Autism, people with disabilities and deaf blind community.

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I want to let you know that life can be tough but there is always ups and down for everyone whether they have disability or not because we are unique and we have different styles to control our life to follow their hearts no matter. All I want you is to be happy and enjoy your life no matter what. And make your dreams come true no matter what. And have a full of joy and happiness in your life to make your life more worthy than you ever know it.

HAVING A SAY CONFERENCE   201 6 – Lisa Chen10th to 12th February 2016

Deakin UniversityWaterfront CampusGeelong, Vic

The largest conference for people with disabilities in Australia.

First Notice

Want to present or perform at Having a Say in 2016?  Now open for expressions of interest around the conference theme of ready, set, Connect!  Expression of Interest

Our Choice Expo 2016

Hosted at the Having a Say conferenceFriday, 12th February 20169:30 am - 4:00 pm

For further details - http://www.valid.org.au/conference/expression_interest.pdf

OPAL CARD INFORMATION

Dear Passholder,

You’re entitled to travel with a new free travel opal card

We’ve written to let you know, as a holder of a Vision Impairment Person’s Travel Pass, you can now order a free travel Opal Card. This Opal Card will allow you to

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travel independently at stations and wharves with gates in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

Using a free travel opal card isn’t mandatory. Having an opal card means you’ll be able to open the gates at stations and ferry wharves, even if staffs aren’t available to assist you.

Please note your current Vision Impairment Person’s Travel Pass (your photo ID card) is still valid until 31st December 2017. If you use a free travel Opal card, you will still need to carry this photo ID card with you to prove your entitlement to free travel.

To order your free travel opal card, please call 131 500 or email concessions@transport.nsw.gov.au with your name, your date of birth and home

address.

The terms and conditions that apply to the use of the free travel Opal card includes our Private Notice as well as:

The Opal Terms of Use, as they apply to free travel Opal Card, as available at opal.com.au/en/footer/opal-terms-of-use.

The Opal Privacy Policy, available at opal.com.au/en/footer/privacy.

If you have any questions about the opal terms of use, please contact opal on 131 500.

For all enquiries, please contact 131 500 or email concessions@transport.nsw.gov.au

Sincerely,

The Concession Team

Transports For NSW

NOTICE OF AGM - DBA/HAND OVER HAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY   30 th JANUARY 2 016 – Janne Bidenko

This year's first HOH activity is of course our AGM (Annual General Meeting) to be held at 1PM, or if you wish to come early for lunch come about 12.

We would like to see a large increase in numbers attending the AGM, this year. It will be an important year, with Deafblind Association moving forward into a new era, especially with the start of NDIS but also becoming more professional and needing an energetic Board to do so.

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AGM VENUE: This year's meeting will once again be held in one of the meeting rooms upstairs at the Burwood RSL which is in Shaftesbury Road, Burwood, very close to Burwood Station. Just ask at Reception and they will direct you to the meeting room.

You need to think about who might be a good person to be on the committee so you can nominate and vote for them, or MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE SAY AND WISH TO NOMINATE YOURSELF. WE WOULD REALLY WELCOME THIS. There will be a commitment to bi-monthly meetings, the second Friday of even months e.g. next meeting 12th February 2016 at DBA Office, Vision Australia at 6-8PM, then April, June, August, October and December.

NOTE: In order to vote you MUST be a current financial member of DBA (NSW). So if you have not previously applied, please fill out the Application and Membership form at the end of this newsletter and pay your membership prior to the meeting or at the meeting prior to the voting. If you have applied and have not received a letter from Janne, with this Rainbow, you are financial.

You also need to bring along your suggestions for HOH activities for the coming year. You can send or ring them to Janne or Tony.

DATE:             Saturday 30th January 2016.

TIME:              Meeting at 1PM

WHERE:         Burwood RSL, Shaftesbury Road Burwood                        

WHAT TO BRING: * $5 for 1 year, $12 for 3 years OR $20 for 5 years, only if you are not currently financial.  Janne is sending out letters with this to advise those whose membership is due, so if you have not received this and have previously applied for membership, you are financial and nothing to pay.

* Your suggestions for HOH Activities for 2016

If you intend to have lunch at the RSL Cafe prior to the meeting, please allow yourself enough time. They do very good Pizza and Fish & Chips, as well as other meals. If you are buying your lunch at the Burwood RSL you will need to bring about $20

PLEASE NOTE: If you need transport to the meeting contact Janne ASAP on 0432 570 210 or janneb@iinet.net.au, so that transport can be arranged

Membership Application form on next page.

Appendix 1 Application for Membership of Association

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(Clause 3 (1))

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF

DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) Incorporated

(incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009)

 

I, ..................................................................................................................

 

of ...................................................................................................................

                                     [address]

hereby apply to become a member of the above named incorporated association. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to be bound by the constitution of the association for the time being in force.

 ........................................................................................………................   

Signature of applicant                                                                      Date

I AM a Deafblind Person (member) 

I AM NOT a Deafblind person (associate member)

please underline one of above.

DEAFBLIND ASSOCIATION (NSW) INC.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - DUE JANUARY

Individual fee - $5.00 for 1 year  OR   $12.50 for 3 years  OR   $20 for 5 years

Organisations with annual income less than $100K fee - $ 50.00 per year

Corporations or Orgs with annual income more than $100K fee - $100.00 per year

Donation in addition to the Membership Renewal - $...............

Name:.........................................................................................................

Address:.....................................................................................................

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....................................................State:................. Postcode:....................

Birthday: ...................................... (you don't have to include the year)

Phone Number:.......................................................

Fax Number: ...........................................................

Mobile: ....................................................................

E-mail address:.......................................................

Preferred contact: (Mail / Phone / Fax / Mobile / TTY / SMS / Email)

RAINBOW NEWS - the newsletter of the DeafBlind Association (NSW) Inc. - is produced monthly, 11 times each year. In which of the following formats would you prefer to receive your newsletter: E-MAIL / PRINT / BRAILLE / CD - please circle

If in print, what size font would you prefer it in?:

14 Point / 18 Point / 24 Point / 30 Point / 36 Point

Do you wish to receive Christmas Raffle Book with Rainbow? Y/N

For Office Use: Receipt No:

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