Discourse February 2017
Some changes to Disability services
Need some financial assistance?
PwC Summer Internship - Applications Open
Regional visits by Disability Advisers
Welcome to 2017
Welcome back continuing students and a big welcome to those of you commencing studies at UniSA for the first time. Any student who has a disability, mental health or medical condition which impacts on their study is eligible to make an appointment with a Disability Adviser. To find out more visit our disability hub.
There are also a range of services to students, such as confidential Counselling services, Career advice, International student support, Study support and Wirringka which offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Study support offers online resources, a referencing forum and will give you information on free academic workshops as well the opportunity to book face to face or phone appointments with Learning Advisers who can assist you with developing your academic writing skills. Explore the study support website.
Some changes to Disability services
Those of you who are returning to study and have had previous contact with the service will notice some changes. Jayne Ayliffe, Disability Adviser mainly at City West campus will be on leave for the first half of the year, as will Tara Ross, from Mawson Lakes. Our Manager, Stephen Manson has also recently moved on to another organisation.
As such, Dallas Dunn will be working between Magill and Mawson Lakes. Alison Nuske, currently Acting Manager, will be working mainly from City East. We would also like to introduce a new disability adviser, Amy Lyness, who will be working across Magill and City West campuses.
The service would also like to introduce Karen Brindle. Karen comes to us from Campus Central and will assist us by providing administrative support, and organising services to students for us.
Need some financial assistance?
Cowan Ability Grant
Grants are available to assist students who have disabilities to manage the additional expenses associated with studying with disabilities. Many students with disabilities require additional equipment; have increased travel expenses and limited ability to earn additional income whilst studying.
The Cowan Ability Grants target recent school leavers who have completed high school within two years of commencing their current university program and who have successfully completed a year of study (equivalent to 36 units). This has been identified as a time when students are often struggling with the financial cost associated with continuing their study.
Online applications will open through my Scholarships in mid-February.
Please note that previous recipients of a Cowan Ability Grant are not eligible.
Value: $1,500
March 10 is the last day to lodge your application.
UniSA Participation Support Scholarships
UniSA Participation Support Scholarships provide financial support for students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds. While low SES is the primary criterion for this scholarship, applications will be also weighted according to other equity indicators (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students; students from rural areas; students from non-English speaking backgrounds; students with a disability; and women in non-traditional areas of study).
Scholarships are available to both full time and part time students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
- A commencing or continuing student with UniSA currently enrolled in a:
- Undergraduate program
- Diploma program
- Foundation Studies program
- Indigenous Participation program.
- Can demonstrate financial or personal disadvantage.
The scholarships are valued at $2,000 for full time students and $1,000 for part time students.
There are two funding rounds per year, but students are only eligible to receive funding once per year. Students who are in receipt of the University of South Australia Study Grant are not eligible for the UniSA Participation Support Scholarship.
Round 1: Opens 1 February 2017
Closes 17 March 2017
Round 2: Opens 17 July 2017
Closes 18 August 2017.
More information can be found here.
PwC Summer Internship - Applications Open
The Australian Network on Disability (AND) is offering students with disability the opportunity to participate in PwC’s Vacationer Program as part of Stepping Into.
Placements are based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide and cover a range of disciplines, including Assurance, Consulting, Technology and Tax & Legal. For more information about the program, visit PwC’s website.
What is stepping into?
Stepping into is a paid internship program designed for university students with disability who want to gain paid, hands-on work experience in their chosen field of study.
Students benefit by gaining valuable experience in their desired field of work, and by having the opportunity to develop professional networking and social skills.
Am I eligible?
- Applicants must be in the second last year of their degree (applications will be accepted from both undergraduate and post graduate degrees)
- Applicants must identify as having disability
- International students may apply pending they have full time working rights within Australia
- Applicants from all degree areas are encouraged to apply
How do I apply?
If you’re interested in applying, complete this online application form by 27 February 2017.
Before applying, please ensure you have the following documents prepared to submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- University transcript
- Proof of Eligibility (Disability Access Plan or relevant medical documentation
The team at AND will inform you of the outcome of your application in early March.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you’d like to find out more, please visit the AND website, email applications@and.org.au, or call 03 9621 2276 to speak to a member of the Stepping Into team.
Regional visits by Disability Advisers
Disability Adviser Dallas Dunn will be visiting Mt Gambier Campus on Wednesday March 22.
Disability Adviser Alison Nuske will be visiting Whyalla Campus on Tuesday March 28.
If you would like to make a time to meet with either of them please make a booking by calling Campus Central on toll free 1300 301 703, or make an online booking here.
Regional students please remember, if you have a medical condition, disability or mental health condition, you are able to make a time to talk with a Disability Adviser about establishing an Access Plan Monday to Friday by booking a phone appointment using the above link.
batyr
Smashing the stigma around mental health
batyr is a for purpose organisation that focuses on preventative education in the area of youth mental health. They provide programs that train young people to speak about their personal experience with mental ill health and start a conversation in their community. Their goal is to engage, educate and empower the audience to learn from the experiences of others and to reach out to the great services around them.
A core element of the batyr mission is sharing stories of lived experience that encourage others to reach out. Being Herd is a two day work shop that empowers young people aged 18-30 to give a voice to their story. The workshop helps build confidence and skills to learn how to share in a safe and effective way.
Your story could be the difference for someone to know that they are not alone, it's okay to not be okay, and that support is out there.
If you would like more information please contact: carly@batyr.com.au
PACE mentoring program
Are you a student or jobseeker with a disability looking for a chance to develop your career skills?
The Australian Network on Disability (AND) is offering students and jobseekers the opportunity to be mentored by some of Australia’s best and brightest professionals from a range of industries through our PACE Mentoring program.
What's involved?
Applicants are matched with mentors who can offer assistance in planning their mentees career journey, as well as providing advice for personal and professional development. The pair meet a minimum of 6 occasions over the 12 week program and are encouraged to focus on conversations and activities surrounding:
- Reviewing resume and cover letters
- Mock interviews
- Worksite visits
- Networking skills
- Building confidence
Am I eligible?
Anyone over the age of 18 with a disability is eligible to apply for the program. The program is open to people with all disability types.
How do I apply?
If you’re interested in applying, complete this online application form no later than 28 February 2017. The team at AND will inform you of the outcome of your application in late March.
What is the cost?
There is no cost involved. The program is generously sponsored by ANZ and participation is free for students and jobseekers.
For further information, email applications@and.org.au or call 03 9621 2276 to speak to a member of the PACE team.
Discourse newsletter future
This may be the final discourse newsletter. But do not fear! We will ensure relevant information gets to students who have a disability, medical or mental health issue via the Student Life e-Zine, which is published on a more frequent basis.
Bye for now.
