UP THE HILL PROJECT NEWSLETTER

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1 A MESSAGE FROM TOVA ROZENGARTEN (PROJECT COORDINATOR). Welcome to the Up the Hill Project (UTHP) end of year newsletter. It has been another successful year for the Project and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the UTHP students and student mentors on successful completion of their studies in This year we have welcomed five new students into the Project. Additionally, we congratulate two students (Mary Whitford and Rachael Huddy) on the completion of their studies with the UTHP at Flinders University. Both Mary and Rachael will be invited to attend a formal graduation ceremony in April 2014, and they will be awarded a certificate of achievement from the Chancellor of Flinders University. I look forward to welcoming both Rachael and Mary into our UTHP Alumni after their graduation in April next year. The UTHP recognises that it is a long wait between the completion of studies and the recognition of achievement at the formal graduation ceremony; therefore we have introduced a new award for students who have completed six topics at Flinders. This award is named in honour of the founder of the UTHP, Mr. John Grantley, and will be presented to future completing students at their final end of semester presentation. On the 12th November 2013, John presented both Mary and Rachael with the John Grantley Achievement Award, which was delivered in front of the students family and friends, Flinders University staff, and invited guests. (Rachel Huddy and John Grantley.) (Mary Whitford and her son Finley with John Grantley.) Acknowledgments: The UTHP relies on many volunteers and I would like to formally acknowledge the efforts of lecturers, tutors and professional staff who assist us. I also wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the student mentors. Mentors play a vital role in the operation of the project, and are crucial to the successful inclusion of UTHP students at Flinders. It has been a pleasure to supervise the student mentors and to observe their emerging professional skills. I wish them all success in their future studies and careers. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support of the staff from the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit (Flinders University), and thank them for sharing their knowledge and expertise. I wish all our students and volunteers, a well-earned, safe and happy holiday. 1

2 Research News: Dr Fiona Rillotta (Project Director) presented in Sydney at the ASID 48th Annual Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID) Conference. Fiona discussed the Up the Hill Project and explained why participating in university life, is a valued activity in the lives of people with an intellectual disability in Australia. Fiona has been working hard to produce academic research on the Up the Hill Project, and her passion for the philosophies and principles of postsecondary education for people with intellectual disabilities, has been reflected in her ongoing efforts to promote the benefits of the project. Fiona is keen to see other universities follow in our footsteps, so that people with intellectual disabilities, from all over Australia, can have the opportunity to attend university. UP THE HILL PROJECT STUDENT MESSAGES MARY: I am studying Communication Media and Social Life topic. I liked learning about all the new gadgets and the old gadgets that are used for communication. The best part of coming to university has been learning new things. My best memory of this semester has been learning about what an IPad is and what a mobile phone can do. I knew mobiles could ring people and message people but I learnt it could also be used for other things too. I have enjoyed the overall university experience. Mainly I like learning new things. University has been everything I thought, people are more mature and they do not judge you by your appearance and I can be me. ZOE: I am studying the Media and Cultural Identities topic. I liked achieving my goal, making new friends and learning about different things. The best part about coming to university has been making new friends and having Tuesday lunch with them after class; meeting my mentor Tara. My best memory of this semester has been learning about different things and making new friends. Yes I have enjoyed the overall university experience heaps. Coming to university has been everything I thought it would be. It has been excellent, amazing and awesome! 2

3 RACHAEL: I am studying the Autism Spectrum Disorders topic. I liked the interesting YouTube clips, and being able to attend the tutorials, I also enjoyed the guest speakers who gave us some personal reflections. The best part about coming to university has been being able to study and meeting new people. My best memory of this semester has been getting to know my mentor Laura, spending time together and going to tutorials. I have really enjoyed the university experience overall. I have loved learning new things and meeting new people. University has been everything I expected, a very enjoyable experience. KERRI ANN: Topic: Neurological Rehabilitation. Kerri-Anne gave a presentation on 12 th November 2013, and described her first study experience at University. She reported that she learned about the brain and the different conditions that can affect the human body (e.g. multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and spinal cord injuries). It was a very detailed and interesting presentation. ALYSSA: Alyssa gave a presentation on 12 th November 2013, and described her first study experience at University. She described how she has learned about different physical and sensory disabilities, and how these disabilities impact upon individuals. Alyssa reported that she has enjoyed the challenge of being a University student and that her confidence has improved throughout the semester. Alyssa is pictured with Fiona Rillotta after she was awarded her first certificate of achievement at Flinders University. 3

4 THE UP THE HILL PROJECT PRESENTATION DAY 4

5 THE UP THE HILL PROJECT and COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY PROGRAM DAY RETREAT During the University mid-term break the Up the Hill Project students and mentors ventured to the Balyana Conference Centre to participate in a day retreat with the Community Re-Entry Program participants. The day was occupied with activities ranging from science experiments, photography, belly-dancing, candle-making to writing Japanese inspired poetry. The science experiments involved making, to our surprise, such items as volcanoes, curds and whey, and putty with such everyday items as soft drink, vinegar and Mentos mints. We soon learned we had a budding poet, Kerri-Ann, in our midst s when the results of the poetry writing were revealed. A couple of brave adventurers had some Henna tattooing performed on their arms and feet. Everyone agreed it was a fun filled day and a chance to participate in activities, away from the formal environment of the lecture theatre. WISHING EVERYONE SAFE and HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Reminder: The University semester begins week on March 3 rd,