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AAPVI New South Wales
AAPVI NSW Representative Quick Report - Click here to view the full report
NSW Department of Education
It's no secret that I have been waging a “One Man War” against the NSW Education Department. Equality in the standard of children being taught in NSW Public schools is a my concern, 2008 had a couple of cases present themselves;
Case 1; Student at Primary School level, Sydney Metropolitan area;
This student is in the final year at Primary School. - View full details here
Case 2; Student at Primary School level, Mid North Coast region;
This student is in year 4. - View full details here
Case 3; Student at High School level, Sydney Metropolitan Area;
This student is about to sit the HSC. - View full details here
These cases are only of students that I know of, I have met many more VI adolescents that have been let down by the NSW Department of education. It's not hard to understand why I spend a bit of time on this subject.
22nd – 24th February 2008, NSW Guide Dogs Families Weekend.
NSW Guide Dogs financed a weekend away for approximately six families with VI children. Several VI agencies were requested to give “Briefs”, AAPVI was one of the invited groups. The children were offered a variety of activities which included Blind Cricket and the Disabled Surfing Assn, and were given activities while the parents attended “briefs”. This weekend was terrific and enjoyed by all. Promoting self advocacy, AAPVI was able to secure a few new members at this function. As a customer I have found NSW Guide Dogs to be invaluable.
March 2008, Inquiry into Children and Young People 9-14 Years in NSW
The NSW Government held and Inquiry into Children and Young People 9-14 Years in NSW. While there were reservations as to any outcomes from the Inquiry, it was recognised by AAPVI committee members that it would be an opportunity to raise the Associations profile. Attached at the end of this document is a copy of the submission. I've provided a link to the original expression of interest. Click Here to view
The committee is currently going through all of the submissions, it is anticipated that the findings will not be made until December 2008 at the earliest, don't hold your breath in the mean time.
2007 Federal and NSW State Elections
On AAPVI's behalf I was able to meet with several politicians, Local and Federal during both Elections. I have doubts that any impact was made, however, we had a voice and a person “in their face” for VI people during the elections.
Federal Govt
Computers for Students Program
I am interested to know whether the current Federal government intends on extending this to VI students with all Low and No Vision attachments. This will probably be my next project.
Even Start Program
The “An Even Start” Nation Tuition Program is a Federally funded, State Education Department managed initiative for children that have short comings in their “basic skills” tests. It gives an Allowance of up to $700.00 for private tuition in one subject of the basic skills test that was below standard. Not surprisingly, none of the agencies authorised to carry out the tuition are Braille literate in the Sydney “western” district.
It's my understanding that this program was a “Howard” government project and will probably not continue under the current “Rudd” government. Regardless of its destiny, it appears that it was not completely thought through.
The website for this program is www.anevenstart.edu.au.
Click here to view the full report |
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