Thursday, July 17, 2008

Sponsorship Workshops

Via my Aussie contacts I have received info on some Sponsorship Workshops to be held in Auckland and Wellington in September. The speaker is Julian Moore – truly a Mister Munny in the sponsorship world in the UK and now taking Aussie by storm! The cost is $299 per workshop and there are two on the day. That is Aust $ so works out at around $NZ365 x 2 = $730ish. But wait... there's more!

If you book before the 31st July you can get 3 for the price of 2 and there are flexible options on using this deal too! Check out the details on the website:

http://www.membershipsolutions.net.au

If you want to find out about "Sponsorship Offers - Creating High Value Proposals for Sponsors at Low Cost. Increase your income, decrease your costs" and "Sponsorship Sales - Gaining and Retaining Your High Value Sponsors. Identify New Sponsors and Close the Deal." then these Workshops are an absolute MUST!

See you there!

Free Software for Not-for-Profits

When I was at conference in Aussie last year I heard about an organization called Donortec. Basically, they administer a scheme where not-for-profits can get free software, hardware etc. I said I was from NZ and asked if we could access it here. They said no but it would be available in NZ in 2008. Well, it is here now! You can access the freebies through Techsoup:

http://www.techsoup.net.nz/about-techsoup-new-zealand

They only have Microsoft software at the moment but it will grow as other suppliers get on board with it. This is genuine MS software and just have a look at the list of stuff you can get! Those of us with networks can get all the latest server software and you can get Vista, XP and Office software with up to 50 licenses for a small admin fee.

If you have a look at the Donortec site you can see what may be available to us in the future: http://www.donortec.com.au/directory.

Let us know what bargains you pick up!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Web browser for kids with Autism

John LeSieur is in the software business, so he took particular interest when computers seemed mostly useless to his 6-year-old grandson, Zackary. The boy has autism, and the whirlwind of options presented by PCs so confounded him that he threw the mouse in frustration.
LeSieur tried to find online tools that could guide autistic children around the Web, but he couldn't find anything satisfactory. So he had one built, named it the Zac Browser For Autistic Children in honor of his grandson, and is making it available to anyone for free.

LeSieur's quest is a reminder that while the Web has created important communication and educational opportunities for some people with cognitive impairments, computers can also introduce new headaches for families trying to navigate the contours of disability.
The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.

Other programs for children already offer that "walled garden" approach to the Web. But LeSieur's browser aims to go further: It essentially takes over the computer and reduces the controls available for children like Zackary, who finds too many choices overwhelming.
For example, the Zac Browser disables extraneous keyboard buttons like "Print Screen" and turns off the right button on the mouse. That eliminates commands most children don't need anyway, and it reduces the chance an autistic child will lose confidence after making a counterproductive click.

Children using the Zac Browser select activities by clicking on bigger-than-normal icons, like a soccer ball for games and a stack of books for "stories." The Zac Browser also configures the view so no advertisements or other flashing distractions appear.

Check out the Zac Browser at http://www.zacbrowser.com. It can be downloaded or run from the site - and best of all IT'S FREE!!!

Monday, April 14, 2008

MAY DAY DISABILITY EXPO 2008


3RD May 2008
Invercargill Workingmen's Club, Invercargill
Entrance main doors off Esk Street car park.
Upstairs in the North, South and East Lounges
Lift available.10am - 3pm

FREE ENTRY

Over 60 exhibitors registered. Check out the list of organisations on our Community Notices on the DRC Southland website www.drcsouth.co.nz. Come and see what services and help they can offer.

Check out how to do sign language - a public session 11am and two sessions in the East Lounge, one at 1.00 - 1.30pm and another at 2.00 - 2.30pm.

Saturns Personal Training Studio will demonstrate their Oxigeno programme. This is a mixture of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga. Join in with Jason in the North Lounge at 10.20 - 10.35pm. Have a go with Jason in the East Lounge at 1.30 - 2.00pm. This is a really nice way to exercise.

WIN a Samsung cellphone valued at over $400 donated by Harvey Norman by taking part in the Information Treasurehunt.

A written quiz will also give you a chance to win prizes.

FREE Health checks. The Southern Institute of Technology Nursing class are available to check out and see if you are in tiptop shape.

No time to shop for clothes, come and rummage through the pre-loved and new clothing from the Nearly New.

The Corinthian Restaurant is opening especially for the expo and will be offering morning tea for $3.50 between 10 and 11.am and the famous Workies Club $6 lunch or ($10.50 for two courses) from 12noon - 1.30pm.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

SITUATIONS VACANT

Position 2

“SIMPLY IRREPLACEABLE?”

A very valued employee is leaving us to further her career. If you think you have what it takes to replace her in the role of…

ADMIN ASSISTANT
40 hours per week

…you should contact us now. We are looking for someone who preferably has a background in accounts and general office work. You will possess excellent computer skills and accuracy in the input of data. You must be a versatile and flexible team player and be prepared to undertake a variety of tasks in an environment where a sense of humour is seen as an essential aid to prevent stress.

Application Packs are available from our Centre at:

137 Spey Street
P O Box 1091
Invercargill
Ph: 214 5000
Email: Trudy
Applications close at 5pm, Friday 14th March 2008

SITUATIONS VACANT

Position 1.

“JULIE IS LEAVING
…HELP!!!”

PERSONAL ASSISTANT
20 hours per week

The Boss’s PA is off to Christchurch to live and we need to find someone to take her place. We can vouch for the fact that Carol is one of the better bosses around but she does tend to ‘misplace’ things - which Julie always finds!

As well as finding things, you will have excellent admin skills including a fearless approach to computers and office gadgets. You will have plenty of initiative and be able to project manage when required to. A sense of humour is absolutely essential.

If you think you have what it takes to ‘look after’ the Boss then give us a call or come in and pick up an application pack from our Centre or contact us and we will send you one:

137 Spey Street
P O Box 1091
Invercargill
Ph: 214 5000
Email: Julie
Applications close at 5pm, Friday 14th March 2008.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Go for Gold in Queenstown


The disability information conference of the year is being held in Queenstown in May this year.

"Going for Gold" is the National Training Conference of the NZ Federation of Disability Infomation Centres. This 'must attend' event is open for registration by anyone who provides disability information in the not-for-profit sector. Check out the details here: