Amaze

Do you know or support others who may need access to expert autism information and advice?  Autism Connect is a free, national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information over phone, email, webchat and a searchable resource directory. Help autistic people and their supporters discover Autism Connect by ordering or downloading our free printed materials to share with your network. The order form now includes Amaze's popular "What is autism?" poster. The poster lists some of the communication and behavioural characteristics that autistic people may display. https://lnkd.in/g8a68_gf

Applications are now open for fully funded positions in the October 2024 pilot of Amaze’s A-Plus Open Program!     Our A-Plus Open Program is perfect for managers, people leaders, and People & Culture professionals who are committed to evidence-informed development about inclusion. Specifically designed to deepen your understanding of Autistic experiences at work, it offers actionable strategies to foster an inclusive workplace.    Whether you work directly with Autistic team members or seek to broaden your professional development, this program will equip you with the practical tools and knowledge to create a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.     Ready to learn more and apply?   Visit: https://lnkd.in/gSFe6XKc

🗣️ The Premier is delivering a new Victorian Committee for Families of Children with Disability. This is an opportunity for parents and carers of children with disability to provide feedback to the Victorian Government on policies, programs and services to improve outcomes for children with disability. The committee will discuss topics such as: ⭐ Education ⭐ Child and family services ⭐ Disability supports ⭐ Healthcare ⭐ Community inclusion such as sport and recreation Parents and carers of Victorian children with disability aged up to 18 years are invited to apply. Applications close 10 am, Monday 7 October. Apply now 👉 https://lnkd.in/g3PpjnpC

The Australian Government is seeking feedback on their draft National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People. 📑 Explore the draft Roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/gxCNyzdu 📝 Share your feedback through one of these options: ➡ Full Survey - This survey asks for views on the exact draft wording in the roadmap, using technical language that is more familiar to health professionals and policy makers: https://lnkd.in/gNRcC-_Y ➡ Short Survey - Available in written, audio, or video formats, this survey is aimed at people less familiar with technical language, and might be more suitable for people who need support: https://lnkd.in/g5Zv7yhB ➡ Easy Read Survey - This survey this uses simple words and visuals to tell you about the roadmap so that you can gather your thoughts in an accessible format: https://lnkd.in/gsUmusvm

"I've looked at the draft lists frantically to try and understand what's in and what's out," Ms Hearnden said. "The biggest concern is that unknown." With less than a month before significant changes to the NDIS roll out, many participants feel left in the dark. Amaze’s Facilitation Lead, Felicity Hearnden shared her concerns with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about communication gaps from the NDIA, and the resulting confusion and uncertainty within the community. Read more via: https://lnkd.in/gxTJGvCy

🗣 The Office for Disability wants to hear from you about the review of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 (ADS). The Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) is evaluating the ADS to ensure it’s on track and inclusive of new ideas. Share your feedback and help shape the future of ADS. 🖥 Submit your thoughts via the DSS Engage Portal or email ADSReview@dss.gov.au. DSS Engage Portal: https://lnkd.in/g3YhYprp Submissions close: 5pm Friday, 6 September 2024

🚀 We're #hiring! 🚀 We're on the lookout for a talented Research & Resources Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Chief Change Officer, the primary focus of the Research & Resources Manager is to lead and oversee the strategic development of high-quality, evidence-informed content and research that support the organisation’s mission and objectives. If you're passionate about leading the development of research and driving positive change for Autistic people and their families, we want to hear from you. Apply now or pass this along to someone who might be a perfect fit!

🌈💜 Today is Wear It Purple Day! 💜🌈 Wear It Purple Day aims to create awareness and promote acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a day to support, inspire hope, and advocate for equal treatment and fairness for all. At Amaze, we proudly support Wear It Purple Day, recognizing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and committing to promoting acceptance and fighting against discrimination. We also acknowledge the intersectionality between the autism and queer communities. Studies show that Autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than those who are non-Autistic. It’s crucial to recognize the real challenges faced by queer individuals and continue to advocate for equal rights and fair treatment in our society. Explore more and learn how you can support the LGBTQIA+ community by visiting www.wearitpurple.org. #WIPD2024

🗣️ Last chance to have your say! ❗ Autistic community experience of ambulance services in Victoria❗ Ambulance Victoria wants to better understand and improve how ambulance services can be more autism inclusive. 🚑 This survey is part of a project that will help develop education resources for Ambulance Victoria’s workforce. This survey is for people who Identify as Autistic or are the parent and/or carer or support worker of an Autistic person and have received care from an ambulance service in Victoria between July 2023 to June 2024. Complete the survey now:  https://lnkd.in/g2yHhQDZ

The Australian Government passed the NDIS Amendment (Keeping the NDIS on track. No.1) Bill on Friday.    Together with many of you across our community, we remain disappointed about the lack of community consultation on this Bill. We will continue to advocate for more meaningful engagement with Autistic people (and their families and carers) on all next steps, particularly the development of a needs assessment tool and budget models to determine support needs and funding levels.   We are continuing to work through the new law to understand its impacts for our community. This is a difficult process given over 50 amendments have been made since the government consulted on the Bill back in May, with many amendments made in recent weeks.   In the meantime, here is a table created by the National Disability Insurance Agency that may help you start to unpack what the Bill means for you.    https://lnkd.in/ggtTjggn It identifies each change, what it means, and when it will come into effect.   It is our understanding that this new law will have little immediate impact on existing plans or what you can spend your funds on.    We will continue to advocate for further opportunity for community engagement on these matters and will let you know of any significant developments.       We appreciate that the passing of this Bill, and particularly the lack of community engagement, has been and may continue to be distressing for our community and many of you.    If you are feeling distressed and need assistance, we encourage you to reach out to the following organisations:    Autism Connect – 1300 308 699  Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14  Blue Know National Counselling and Referral Service (Disability) - 1800 421 468  Carers Gateway – 1800 422 737  Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800  Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636