TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute (Learning Disabilities & OUTREACH) The SOCS (Social Occupational and Communication Skills) course is for students diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and aims to help with transitioning from school. It explores the skills needed for employment, communication, pathways to work or further education and teamwork. The course runs at TAFE (Meadowbank & Hornsby) for 2 days a week. Download the SOCS Course Outline and Timetable SOCS July 2009 and Course Content - Meadowbank SOCS October 2009 and Course Content - Hornsby For further information contact the Course Coordinator, Simon Piggott on 9448 4431 or mob. 0434 322 451.

Counselling Support Groups For Parents of Children with Special Needs to meet and tell their story, give and gain support. The focus is on how to take better care of themselves and not suffer `burn out'. The groups deal with issues of family and relationships, the grief process and how to cope on bad days, how to cope with feelings of loss, isolation, exhaustion and the impossible role of parenting different children. The groups run for 2 hours over eight consecutive weeks and are run by a counsellor who is a mum of a child with autism. For further information and to secure your place in either group (Group 1: 9.30 to 11.30am, or Group 2: 12.30 to 2.30pm) contact Justine Watson justinew@three.com.au mobile 0414 237 383. www.counsellingforall.com

Who's Going to Teach My Child? The Department of Education and Training, in conjunction with representatives from Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Australian Early Childhood Intervention Assocation, Disability Council of New South Wales, Ethnic communities Council, Federation of P&C Assocations, FOSCO and Primary Principals' Council, had produced the document Who's Going to Teach My Child? A Guide for parents of children with special learning needs. This resource covers topics such as what it means to have a child with special learning needs, how you can support your child, how your child's special learning needs will be supported, what services and resources are available for your child and questions you might ask.

Balancing Caring Responsibilities with Paid Work The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) invites Carers to participate in a new online discussion board looking at the issues around successfully balancing caring responsibilities with paid work. Click here Work and Family.

Association for Children with a Disability ACD NSW provides information and support to parents and families across NSW who have a child or young adult with any type of disability or developmental delay. The association is run by parents, so they know what it's like to have a child with a disability. They understand issues from a parent and family perspective. ACD NSW seeks to give strength to the voice of families caring for a child with a disability. Their activities include: Publication in 2008 of Through the Maze and Helping You and Your Family Updating from time-to-time the electronic copy of Through the Maze Publication of a quarterly newsletter, free to members, that provides information on what's happening and what you need to know, as well as stories from families that are a great source of strength and inspiration for other families and for professionals who work with families Provision of information seminars on issues ranging from advocacy and supported accommodation to establishing trusts and will writing Advocating for improved services, and raising awareness of the issues and difficulties facing parents, Carers and families Provision of telephone support and networking with other parents and families Working with other groups, service providers, the government and other decision-makers on issues affecting families.

Autism Spectrum Australia Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) provides information, education and other services through partnerships with people with autism spectrum disorders, their families and communities with the aim of overcoming the isolation of autism. Brochures & Information Sheets are available on Autism, Asperger's Disorder, Early Indicators of Autism, Thinking and Learning in Autism, Teachers' Guide, Choosing Interventions and Therapy Approaches, Parent and Family Well Being, Establishing Routines, Implementing Play Sessions, Issues Relating to Siblings, Eating Habits, Understanding Sensory Issues, and Behaviour Intervention Service Information Sheets "Someone to turn to ..."TM is a Parent Support Network that provides emotional and practical support for parents who, for example, have a child with a recent diagnosis of autism, and would like supportive contact with a volunteer parent who has had similar experiences. There are no fees involved. The program links parents seeking support with volunteer parents based on such factors as diagnosis and age of the child ensuring the support is as relevant as possible. Social Clubs for Boys & Girls 8-18 Years Parents/Carers of children aged 8-18 years of age with an autism spectrum disorder are invited to register their child in the Social Clubs Program, which offers regular opportunities to meet and make new friends and to interact in a structured but relaxed, stimulating and fun recreational environment. Download Registration Form here. Download the Aspects Support Group List here.

Northcott Disability Services Northcott provides services to people with a broad range of disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory, acquired and degenerative disabilities, as well as challenging behaviours. Some of the services Northcott provides include autism support, early childhood support services, accommodation, community participation programs, computer assistive technology, employment, equipment, individual and family support, recreation, respite, and specialist services. From early childhood development, through to assisting individuals gain employment and independent living skills, Northcott's provision of services centres on each stage of the changing life cycle. Northcott's services meet an extensive range of needs; support and services are provided to the clients, as well as their carers, siblings and the entire family unit. In all that it does, Northcott has adapted to the needs of its clients, encouraging inclusion and access to the community. Northcott's purpose is to build an inclusive society. This is achieved by assisting people with disabilities to develop their skills and achieve their goals - including their potential for independence and ability to participate in their community.

Transition for Young People with Chronic Illness or Disability The GMCT Transition Network aims to improve the continuity of care for young people with chronic health problems as they move from paediatric to adult health services. Transition to adult health care for young people with chronic illnesses is a process not a single event. Moving from a familiar child environment to adult health services impacts significantly not just on the young person and members of the health team, but parents, caregivers and other family members and friends. Download the latest Newsletter here. Information for parents/Carers can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au/gmct/transition with regard to: Transition: The Basics Help with Transition? The Role of Parents and Caregivers When to Move? Important Issues in the Transition Process Recording Important Health Information Fostering Independence Looking After Yourself Financial and Medical Decision Making PADP & DADHC Transition Care - Factsheets are available covering: Information for Parents/Carers Information for Young People Hints for Finding the Right Doctor For You Communicating with Health Care Staff Making the Move: Checklist for Young People Financial Issues in the Adult World Differences between Child and Adult Health Services.

Ryde Royal Rehabilitation Centre Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney's "The disAbility Leisure, Arts, Sports and Lifestyle Web Guide http://www.d-ability.org/ is a tool by which people can explore life's possibilities following injury or illness and aims to assist people to discover, or rediscover, their own interests, dreams and ambitions. Developed as part of the specialist recreation service at Royal Rehab Centre Sydney, the site is vibrant and easy to search with a world of ideas and information organized into sections including "Travel", "Leisure and Outdoors", "Health and Wellbeing", "Sporto's" and "Arty Farty". Comments, feedback and volunteers are welcome as this resource is continued to be developed (Kel Smith 9808 9269 or kel.smith@royalrehab.com)

Councils Mosman Council provides a range of services for residents with disabilities, their families and Carers. View Council's disability services and activities, including Saturday Youth Group, Drama Group and Stroke Recovery Group. The Warringah Disability Newsletter is a free fortnightly e-newsletter for people with a disability, their Carers and service providers. It covers events, resources, financial items, training and conferences of interest to residents and service providers of the Northern Sydney region. Click here to read current and past issues http://www.wls.nsw.gov.au/screens/dservices.html#didyouknow

NSW Sport and Recreation Sports Ability 4 All is for people with a disability and their families and provides a way of including people with disability in a structured, safe and fun sporting environment and provides opportunities for people with a disability to participate together. It develops skills in sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball and table top games such as polybat and table cricket. Dates: Friday 27 November 2009 and 23 April 2010 Time: 7.00 - 10.00pm Cost: $5 per session plus one off $5 NARA annual membership Venue: St David's Uniting Church, Cnr Provincial Rd and Pacific Highway, Lindfield For further information or to register contact Greg Brown on 0407 949 793 or greg.brown@dadhc.nsw.gov.au What's On Around Sydney