The CESPHN Health and Disability Interface Newsletter aims to provide information and updates about the developments that are taking place at the intersection between health and disability in the CESPHN region. It features a selection of current news items, resources and upcoming events relevant to this interface. If you would like to share content for potential inclusion in the Newsletter, please email s.oconnor@cesphn.com.au. 

Disability Assistance Concession Fares with Virgin Australia 
Virgin Australia has announced that it is offering Disability Assistance Concession Fares to those who require an assistant on board. The concession gives a 50 per cent discount applied to the base fare of any ticket for domestic travel, for the assistant's ticket. Taxes, fees and the GST are not discounted. This concession can only be activated through calling the Virgin Guest Contact Centre (13 67 89).
Click here for more information on Virgin’s Special Needs and Assistance Services.

CESPHN Website Redesign 
CESPHN is delighted to announce the launch of its redesigned website, incorporating its new Engaging with the NDIS webpage. Information on CESPHN’s current and future disability and NDIS related work can be found here, along with general information on the NDIS and additional resources. 
Click here for more information.

Joint Standing Committee Report on the Transitional Arrangements for the NDIS
As part of the committee’s inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), an inquiry has been conducted into the transitional arrangements for the NDIS, and a subsequent report was released in February this year. 
Click here to access the full report. 

Sydney Dance Company’s Make Your Move 
Sydney Dance Company invites you to join them for their new program Make Your Move. This exciting initiative is for people with mobility restrictions who want to dance. These weekly dance sessions are FREE of charge and run for eight weeks. They are being held in Burwood from 11.30 am - 12.30 pm on Wednesdays from 16 May - 4 July. 
Click here for more information.

Civic Disability Services school holidays program for school-aged children with disabilities
Civic Disability Services (Sylvania Heights and Revesby) are offering a school holidays program for children aged 6 to 17 from 16 - 27 April 2018. This is a specialist program including outings and onsite activities. 
For more information email enquiries@civic.org.au or phone 1800 253 743.

Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM) Annual Conference 
AADDM is an organisation of medical practitioners who specialise in improving the health and function of the over 500,000 Australian children, adolescents and adults with ID. They welcome abstract submissions from primary care professionals ahead of their Annual Conference in September. 
Click here for more information.

NDIS Health Interface Project 
The NDIS Health Interface Project trial website is a collaboration between Deakin University, G21, and Barwon Health funded as a partnership to explore the Interface between the NDIS and the health sector within the Barwon region. The website features useful links, tip sheets and process tools for GPs and Health Professionals. 
Click here for more information.

The Summer Foundation Educational Videos
The Summer Foundation is developing a series of videos featuring people with disabilities, which will be used to help train health care and support workers about the complex care needs for people with disability with the aim of breaking down barriers and providing greater understanding of how to provide the best support for people with disabilities. 
Click here for more information.

City of Canada Bay’s Community Grants Program 
The City of Canada Bay Council aims to support the operation of community groups and non-profit organisations in the City of Canada Bay by providing one-off funding support for local not-for-profit organisations and projects which benefit local residents. Applications opened on Tuesday 3 April and close on Friday 4 May 2018. 
Click here for more information.

NDS - NDIS Provider Forums

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission launches on 1 July 2018 and NDS is partnering with the Commission and the NDIA to deliver NDIS Provider Forums throughout New South Wales to help providers assist providers in preparing for the new national quality and safeguards system. 
When:   May - June 2018

CESPHN NDIS - Early Childhood, Early Intervention Education Sessions 

Participants at this Education Session will gain an understanding of the Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach, Developmental Delay in context of NDIS Legislation, best practice early childhood intervention and more. Registration is free for CESPHN members.  
When:  1 May (Ashfield), 2 May (Kogarah) and 3 May (Waverly) 2018

Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 

Sydney Local Health District's Youthblock, in partnership with Riverwood Community Centre, is offering a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course. This course is FREE to youth sector workers and young people older than 18 years living and/or working in the SLHD area. Click the button below to email Rosie for more information.
When:  10-11 May 2018

First Peoples Disability Network (Australia) NDIS Workshop

First Peoples Disability Network (Australia) is holding a workshop for Aboriginal people with disability, their families and carers to share stories, yarn about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and provide support with planning their way. 
When:  12.00 pm to 4.00 pm on Wednesday 16 May in Lilyfield. Lunch and afternoon tea provided. 

CESPHN Disability Network Education Session – Understanding Intellectual Disability in a Primary Health Context

This valuable education opportunity will be presented by Prof. Julian Trollor, head of UNSW’s Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry. Attendees will learn about intellectual disability, its prevalence, causes and impacts, and about preparedness and practice within the primary health care context. Click the button below to email Sarah O'Connor for more information and to register.
When:  23 May, CESPHN Ashfield Office

SLHD Innovation & Research Symposium - ‘Care in the Community’ Forum

This event is being held at the Kerry Packer Auditorium at RPA Hospital and will feature presentations relating to Medicine & Ageing, Food & Ageing, and a joint presentation by SLHD & Sydney NDIA region regarding the NDIS, including a workshop run by SLHD & NDIA staff where those participating will get the opportunity to ask questions and run through scenarios related to NDIS applications and planning. Click the button below to email James Everingham for more information.
When:  Saturday 23 June

Free ‘Communicate, Connect, Collaborate’ in Kogarah 

Organised by Sutherland Shire Multicultural Network and St George Multicultural Network this event offers the opportunity to connect with other service providers with speed networking and collaborative activities.
When:  2-4 pm, Tuesday 24 July

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to submit an article or have suggestions on content you would be interested in reading, please email editor@cesphn.com.au.