Cultural Exchange project
March 2007-April 2008

Mensline Australia is undertaking a comprehensive internship and community development project aimed to increase use of Mensline and Family Resource Service Programs by men of some specific target communities – Indigenous men, Arabic speaking men, Vietnamese men and young men. MLA has formed partnerships with relevant service providers in Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney and Burnie to provide a twelve month internship program for nine participants from across these communities which includes on the job training and accredited Certificate !$ and Diploma level VET training qualifications over a twelve month period. Equity Research Centre is conducting the project evaluation

Disability in employment in Victoria
June 2007 - March 2008

• Identifying current levels of employment of people with disabilities in the not-for-profit disability sector in Victoria
• Consulting with disability service organisations and consumers about barriers to, and examples of, best practice in the employment of people with disabilities in the not-for-profit disability sector
• Developing strategies for increasing opportunities for the employment of people with disabilities in sector organisations
• Raising awareness in the sector and in the Victorian and Federal Governments of the role of Government-funded disability agencies in providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The project was commissioned by ADDE/ACL and is jointly funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, the Lance Reichstein Charitable Foundation and the ANZ Bank.

Cultural Exchange Project community needs assessment - Literature Review
November 2007-January 2009

Provided an analysis of the cultural attitudes of men from a range of backgrounds (Vietnamese, Arabic-speaking, Indigenous and young men) in respect of using counselling services for assistance with family and relationship issues, in particular telephone counselling. Commissioned by Mensline Australia.

Website for teachers of students with learning disorders
October 2007-March 2008

• understanding learning disabilities in adult students
• provision of reliable information and resources
• teaching and learning strategies.

Commissioned by ACPET (Australian Council for Private Education and Training). Funded by OTTE (Office of Tertiary Education and Training)

Eastern girls in trades
October 2006 - August 2007

In partnership with the Outer Eastern and Gateway LLENs, the local Regional Industry Careers Adviser and the Eastern Industry Education Partnership, the Equity Research Centre completed a project to increase understanding by girls and their parents of non-traditional career options available to girls and associated training programs in the vocational education and training sector. Through an action research model facilitated by the Equity Research Centre, school-aged girls are developing a multi-media education campaign in preparation for the Eastern Careers Expo in August 2007. Commissioned by the Local Community Partnership, Outer Eastern LLEN and Gateway LLEN.

Visit the website: www.girlsintrades.org.au

Implications of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities for TAFE educators
February - June 2007

Equity Research Centre conducted two half-day forums in conjunction with the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Disability Discrimination Legal Service in May and June 2007 to explain the new charter and explore possible implications for TAFE educators. Commissioned by OTTE (Office of Tertiary Education and Training)

Class of 2007
May - October 2007

An exploration of TAFE experiences and outcomes for people who are culturally and linguistically diverse, in particular, people from Somalia, most of whom have arrived in Australia over the last ten years. The research included an examination of what TAFE does well, and what it could do better, for members of Somali communities in Victoria. Unpublished advice to OTTE (Office of Tertiary Education and Training)

Showcasing equity employers
May - September 2007

Built profiles of employers who promote equity through employing people who are often discriminated against such as Indigenous people, people of culturally and linguistically diverse background, young people at risk of disengagement from education/employment, mature aged people and people with a disability. The project explored what inspired employers’ to employ people with equity issues, their experience and understanding of specific equity needs what elements in a TAFE pathway assisted the students’ employment outcomes/prospects. It also identifies what TAFEs could do to assist learners to improve their employability. Commissioned by OTTE (Office of Tertiary Education and Training)

Equity employment in TAFE
April - August

Document eight case studies profiling four employees with disabilities and four Indigenous employees selected from among the eighteen TAFE institutions. The focus of the case studies is employment experiences in TAFE, including their experience in gaining TAFE employment, employment opportunities open to Indigenous people and people with disabilities in TAFE and career development opportunities. Unpublished advice to OTTE (Office of Tertiary Education and Training)

ACE Trax resource kit: ACE Trax manual
November 2006 - April 2007

More than just equipment: internet access and participation for people with a disability in Victorian public libraries
November 2006 - May 2007

The State Library of Victoria, through VicNet, identified the digital divide as an important issue to be addressed in the provision of library services to people with disabilities. Various local libraries have introduced a range of adaptive technologies aimed at enhancing access to library services for people with disabilities however it has been difficult to identify the extent to which these services have been successful. This project elucidated the services that were currently available and identified services that should be available for people with disabilities in Victorian public libraries, particularly in relation to the Internet. Commissioned by the State Library of Victoria VicNet and funded by the Winthrop Trust.