Rob McNamara Exhibition opens to a packed house

In what can only be described as a spectacularly successful occasion, field launched the 2010 Rob McNamara Exhibition on Friday 27 August.

More than 200 artists, guests, staff and passers-by packed the Collingwood Gallery to see a mixed media interpretation of the question Beyond First Impressions: What changes if you get to know me?

Read more about the Rob McNamara Exhibition opening here.

'Touching the Corners: an autobiography by Rob McNamara' reprinted and available now

Rob McNamara was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age six. Although he used a wheelchair to get around and an iron lung to help him breathe, this didn’t stop him from living an ordinary life.

He studied, worked, got married, had a child and was a political activist for the rights of people with a disability. He was a passionate Collingwood supporter and went to the footy most Saturdays with his mates.  He was never solely defined by his disability.

In this book Rob writes openly about taking drugs, falling in love and having sex. It is an entertaining, funny, and at times painful story, confronting society’s assumptions about how people with disabilities should live. Ultimately it is a book about belonging, showing it is possible for people with a disability to live as they choose.

Order your copy of Touching the Corners: an autobiography by Rob McNamara (paperback, 308 pp)

'Disability and Ageing Forum' resource materials available online

Held on Thursday 17 June 2010 at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre

This forum explored some of the many complex issues facing people with disabilities who are ageing. The forum provided a range of perspectives as well as an insight into how some services are starting to plan to meet the changing needs of clients.

Presentations and Resources from the Ageing and Disability Forum are now available on the website. They include PowerPoint slides and video presentations.

'MediWorld Live' video resource

A fast-paced look at administration of medication in residential services for disability support workers.  Produced by DHS (2009).

View an online version of the MediWorld Live video here.  Running time is approximately 20 minutes.

'Brushing up on oral health for disability residential services' on DVD and online 

This DVD was developed by DHS and Dental Services Victoria to help disability support workers promote good oral health for people with a disability.

View an online version of the Brushing up on oral health DVD here.  The video runs for approximately 20 minutes.

Information on 'Learning Partnership Project'

Not Just Work Website - http://notjustwork.info

• Read about the background to the innovative Learning Partnership Project