+++AUSTRALIAN BLINDNESS FORUM and NATIONAL DISABILITY SERVICES.
++ABF/NDS UPDATE JANUARY 2010.

[Contents begin]
+01.News from ABF Members and Associates. 
+02.Access to Aviation.
+03.Access to Information.
+04.Employment.
+05.ACMA Makes New Emergency Call Determination.
+06.Other Information, Publications.
+07.NDS Events.
+08.Other National Events.
+09.Continuing Professional Education.
+10.International: World Blind Union (WBU).
+11.International: AMD Alliance International (AMDAI).
+12.International: Other Items.
+13.Feature Item: Greater Access to DVDs for Australians with vision or hearing impairment.
- End Notes.
[Contents end]

[Update begins]
+01.NEWS FROM ABF MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.
- CanDo4 Group Charities has thanked Grant Goodall for his involvement as interim CEO and announced the appointment of Judy Curran as CEO from 15 March 2010.  
- Vision Australia’s Audio Described Theatre: The list of events for 2010 in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne has been posted to the VA website at http://www.visionaustralia.org/info.aspx?page=792. 
- Changes at ABF: Margaret Verick has resigned from her roles with the ABF and NDS to spend an extended period overseas with her family. Tony Starkey (tstarkey@rsb.org.au, phone 08 8223 6222) will act as the interim ABF Project Officer until a replacement is appointed.

+02.ACCESS TO AVIATION.
The comprehensive White Paper ‘Flight Path to the Future’ (http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/nap/files_white_paper/White_Paper.doc) for the first time brings together all strands of aviation policy into a single document providing planning, regulatory and investment certainty for the aviation industry to 2020 and beyond. Through the work of the Access to Aviation Working Group (AAWG), of which NDS is a member, the White Paper recognises the significant difficulties faced by passengers with disability (Chapter 5, Consumer Protection). However, at the same time, the government recognises that the design and size of aircraft and the boarding facilities at airports impact on an operator’s ability to regulate or provide firm guidance on the provision of disability access. The government also recognises that meeting aviation safety, occupational health and safety and other legislative requirements can hinder the provision of equal access to air services, or expose the industry to a potential complaint under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act). For more information, NDS members can read the NDS News Update of 17 December 2009 at http://www.nds.org.au/national/default.htm. 

+03.ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
- Audio Description Infoline: Media Access Australia (MAA) has launched an information line with short recorded messages providing up-to-date information about audio description (AD) in Australian cinemas, on television and on DVDs. The infoline is on 1300 165 642 and can be rung anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (landlines only).
- W3C Updated website: The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has given its website its first facelift in over a decade, endeavouring to incorporate new technologies into the way information is provided. In addition to compliance with its own accessibility standards and guidelines, the new website also features a ‘quick-link’ feature which makes the information easily scale to desktop, mobile or printer-friendly format views. It also makes it easier for visitors to locate information on W3C standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. For more information, go to the new website at http://www.w3.org/. (Source: Media Access Australia)
- Google creates centralised accessibility portal: Google has created a new online portal for accessibility news, events and Google-related initiatives. The new accessibility section is designed to make it easier for people with disability to find information on all of Google’s accessibility initiatives in the one place, rather than small sections of information connected to individual products. The site also plans to bring together disability-related information from other organisations. The new portal is at http://www.google.com./accessibility. (Source: Media Access Australia)

+04.EMPLOYMENT.
- New Names for Two Programs.
The two Disability Employment Services programs are being re-named.  ‘Disability Management’ replaces ‘Program A’ and ‘Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ and ‘Employment Support Services‘ replaces ‘Program B’ and ‘Disability Employment Network’. Both programs will continue under the umbrella badge of Disability Employment Services with a single logo.  Further detail will be provided in the DES style guide.
A comprehensive Transition Reference Document for Providers (http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/DES/Transition/Pages/home.aspx) contains the guidelines for the transition process to the new DES. The new arrangements will require careful attention to ensure ease of transition to the new IT system and accuracy with payments claims.
There’s more information for NDS Members in the NDS News Update of 13 January 2010 at http://www.nds.org.au/national/default.htm. 

- Electronics Recycling Project.
NDS is seeking the input of its members operating Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) into the possible design and implementation of a nationwide electronics recycling network. A framework for such a project was originally publicised at the NDS 2009 Employment Forum (read the presentation at http://www.nds.org.au/conferences/EF2009/Presentations/Davis.pdf). The project seeks to capitalise on the announcement of the ‘National First: New waste policies for TVs, computers and tyres’ endorsed by Australia’s environment ministers in November 2009 (http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091105a.html). NDS members can read the NDS News Update of 11 January at http://www.nds.org.au/national/default.htm or contact Paul Musso on 02 9256 3102 or paul.musso@nds.org.au.

+05.ACMA MAKES NEW EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE DETERMINATION.
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) has made a new Emergency Call Service Determination, which governs how telecommunications providers receive, handle and transfer emergency calls. The new Determination introduces a number of important improvements that take into account technological change. Details of the changes to the Determination, which commenced on 24 December 2009, are outlined in the backgrounder at http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312003. 

+06.OTHER INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS.
- What is DiVine? DiVine (http://www.divine.vic.gov.au) is a new website written by and for people with disability and published by the Victorian Government’s Office for Disability. DiVine aims to inform, engage and entertain. It is a vibrant, inclusive community that encourages participation. It gives the opportunity for people to learn from each other and have fun at the same time.

+07.NDS EVENTS.
- Accommodation & Social Participation Conference 2010 ‘Moving On: Supporting People with Disability to Manage Change’ will be held on 6 and 7 May 2010 at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast. The Call for Papers closed on 20 November 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.nds.org.au/national/default.htm.  
- Employment Forum will be held at the Hilton the Park in Melbourne on 6 and 7 September 2010.
- CEO Meeting, held annually for NDS member decision-makers, will be held in Canberra on 6 and 7 December 2010.
If any ABF member is looking to raise its profile, exhibiting and advertising opportunities exist at NDS conferences. For further details, contact Julie Walton on 02 9256 3115 or julie.walton@nds.org.au. 

+08.OTHER NATIONAL EVENTS.
- National Deafness Sector Summit: Early bird registrations for the sixth summit on 23 and 24 April 2010 are now open until 12 February at http://www.deafnessforum.org.au/index.php?q=national-deafness-sector-summit. 
 - The Eighth National DeafBlind Conference ‘Deafblindness in Australia: new ideas, directions and solutions’ will be held in Melbourne from 28 to 30 April 2010. The registration form can be completed online at http://www.ableaustralia.org.au/conference-registration-form.asp - the early bird discount operates until 12 February. For more information, go to http://www.ableaustralia.org.au/welcome.asp. 
- National Deafblind Training workshops for deafblind people, carers, families, service providers and interpreters will commence in mid 2010. For more information, contact Carla Anderson at Able Australia on 1300 225 369, email carla.anderson@ableaustralia.org.au. 
- Round Table 2010 Annual Conference, ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’, will be held in Auckland New Zealand for the first time in May 2010 (date to be confirmed). The conference will explore the role of both global and local achievements and their impact on the lives of people with print disabilities. Submission of extracts should be made by 27 November. For more information, go to http://www.e-bility.com/roundtable/downloads/conf10/callforpapers-rtconf2010.doc. 

+09.CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.
The calendar for Professional Education Courses in 2010 is still being compiled by RIDBC Renwick Centre. Keep checking for updates at http://www.ridbc.org.au/renwick/courses/continuinged_calendar.asp.

+10.INTERNATIONAL: WORLD BLIND UNION (WBU).
The next WBU E-Bulletin is due shortly – it can be read at http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/home847b.html?id=43&nivel=2. 

+11.INTERNATIONAL: AMD ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL (AMDAI).
While AMD is not curable, in many cases the disease can be prevented or slowed and its debilitating effects can be effectively managed. AMDAI suggests five easy ways to encourage family and friends to prevent macular degeneration. 
1. See an eye doctor. For those 50 and older, or those with risk factors (see below), AMDAI recommends regular eye exams. 
2.  Know the risk factors of AMD. Age is the biggest risk factor. Others include family history, smoking, diet, hypertension, obesity, light skin or eye color and severe farsightedness. Anyone with questions about whether they are at risk of developing AMD can take the AMD Challenge at http://www.amdalliance.org/resources/amdchallenge.php. 
3. Eat an eye-healthy diet. Foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, copper, the carotenoids - lycopene, zeaxanthin and lutein are among those that can play a major role in promoting eye health. Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and fish such as salmon or mackerel.  
4. Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk and severity of macular degeneration.
5. Exercise. Research shows that build up of fats in the body can contribute to macular degeneration. Regular vigorous exercise can help prevent macular degeneration.   

+12.INTERNATIONAL: OTHER ITEMS.
Below are three extracts from the January 2010 UN Enable newsletter, which can be read in full at http://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/newsletter/january2010.doc. 
- UN Commission for Social Development will meet in New York from 3 to 12 February to discuss issues under the priority theme ‘Social Integration’. To find out more, go to http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/csd/2010.html. 
- The Human Rights Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the rights of person with disability in the course of its thirteenth session in Geneva on 5 March – go to http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/13session/. The event will be webcast at http://www.un.org/webcast/unhrc/.  
- Tourist travel for people with disability: The World Trade Organisation adopted a Declaration on the Facilitation of Tourist Travel in October 2009. The Declaration expresses the deep conviction that facilitation of tourist travel by people with disability is a major element of any responsible tourism development policy. The Declaration also endorses the general principles enshrined in Article 3 of the CRPD and invites all States to implement them. For more information, email Marina Diotallevi at mdiotallevi@unwto.org.au. 
- ICEVI 13th World Conference ‘Achieving Education for All Children with Visual Impairment: Strategies and Challenges’ will be held in Thailand in August 2010. There’s more information at http://www.icevi.org/13thWC/call_for_papers.html. ICEVI’s journal, The Educator, is also available on the ICEVI website at http://www.icevi.org/pdf/educator_january_2009.pdf. 
- Twelfth International Conference on Mobility and Transport will be held in Hong Kong from 2 to 4 June 2010. The conference theme is ‘Sustainable Transport and Travel for All’. For further information, visit http://www.transed2010.hk. 
- SPEVI Conference 2011 will be held in Sydney from 16 to 21 January 2011. The call for papers will go out later this year. In the meantime, for more information, contact Tricia d’Apice at the RIDBC Teleschool by phoning 02 9872 0332 or emailing tricia.dapice@ridbc.org.au. 
- International Mobility Conference 2012, ‘Mobility Through the Ages, Up, Over and Down Under’ will be held in Palmerston North, New Zealand on 13 to 17 February 2012. The call for abstracts opens in February 2011 and closes 30 April 2011. To register your interest, go to http://www.imc14.com. 

+13.FEATURE ITEM: Greater Access to DVDs for Australians with Vision or Hearing Impairment.
The Australian Visual Software Distributors Association (AVSDA), representing the home entertainment film and TV industry, has announced that all the major film distributors, and some smaller Australian independents, have committed to make available audio description and English captioning on the majority of theatrical films when released on DVD.
The distributors making this commitment include: Disney Studios Home Entertainment; Hopscotch Entertainment; Madman Entertainment; Paramount Home Entertainment; Roadshow Entertainment; Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Twentieth-Century Fox Home Entertainment; Universal Pictures Video and Warner Home Video. One distributor that hasn’t agreed to increase captioning or audio description is 21st Century Pictures (who does not appear to be an AVSDA member).
Disability groups representing the vision and hearing impairment have been lobbying for a commitment from distributors to improve media access features on DVDs and follows the development of the AVSDA Accessibility Framework for the Home Entertainment Film Industry and labelling standards developed in conjunction with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now Australian Human Rights Commission) in 2007.
The announcement means that the major home entertainment film and TV distribution companies operating in Australia have committed to ensure that, in the majority of theatrical films when released to standard definition DVD, will contain both audio description and English captioning or subtitles. Significantly, this commitment also meets the Australian Government’s desire to ensure that DVDs distributed in Australia ‘include captions and audio description, where these are already available’.
This announcement does not apply to non-studio or acquired films distributed in Australia as these films and the DVD features therein are out of the control of the distributor.
The AVSDA Accessibility Framework for the Home Entertainment Film Industry and labelling standards can be viewed at http://www.avsda.com.au/dvdaccess.asp.
[Update ends]

[End Notes begin]
Getting more information on issues in the ABF/NDS Update: Unless otherwise stated, please contact Tony Starkey, phone 08 8223 6222, email tstarkey@rsb.org.au. 
Reproducing information from the ABF/NDS Update: Anyone may reproduce any of the information in this Update but please acknowledge this source.

About AUSTRALIAN BLINDNESS FORUM http://www.australianblindnessforum.org.au 
Australian Blindness Forum (ABF) was first formed as an unincorporated body in 1992, funded only by its members. In April 2007, the ABF became an Australian public company limited by guarantee, funded by its members and governed by a board of directors. The purpose of the ABF is to operate as a peak body representing the blindness sector for the benefit of people who are blind or vision impaired. The Interim Project Officer (Australian Blindness Forum) is located at the Royal Society for the Blind of SA – contact Tony Starkey, email tstarkey@rsb.org.au, phone 08 8223 6222. 

About NATIONAL DISABILTY SERVICES http://www.nds.org.au 
National Disability Services (NDS) is the national industry association for disability services, representing over 650 not-for-profit organisations. Collectively, NDS’s members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. NDS’s members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations, and are located in every State and Territory across Australia.
[End Notes end]