Increase Text Size  

Decrease Text Size 

Return To Corporate Home Page  
(This is the full colour site)

About | Services | Staff | Employment | Employer Services | Contact | Links

About Us

SensWide Services is a division of the Victorian Deaf Society. It is a Melbourne-based Disability Employment Network member committed to delivering employment solutions for job seekers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, vision impaired or Deafblind.

The term 'deaf' refers to any person who is deaf, Deaf, or hard of hearing.

SensWide Services is located at Level 7, 34 Queen Street, Melbourne and Suite 2, 13-15 Thompson Street, Frankston and has been providing services to people who have a sensory impairment since 1992.

SensWide’s staff are professionally trained in the field of sensory impairment. They are able to assist in the provision of resources, training, education and advice that will help to create positive employment outcomes.

Our Mission and Vision

Mission

SensWide aims to assist organisations and employers working with people who have a sensory impairment understand more about an individual’s sensory loss in order to maximise their employment potential.

SensWide is staffed by consultants with expertise in hearing and vision loss and who are fluent in Auslan (sign language).

Vision

Leaders in Providing Specialist Employment Solutions.

SensWide provides specialist information, advice and assistance regarding sensory loss and employment solutions for individuals, employers, employment services and the business community.

SensWide does this by offering a range of quality services including:

• Employment placement

• Workplace mobility and orientation

• Interpreting / Facilitation

• Workplace Assessments

• Facilitating Access to Specialist Equipment and Resources

Service Values

At SensWide we recognise the importance of the work we do for the employment division of Vicdeaf and we are committed to its success. With this commitment in mind we share the following service values:

• Acknowledging that we are professionals within the Disability Employment Network (DEN) industry

• Recognising the disparity between our funding deed and the principles of the Disability Service Standards and doing our best to reconcile this

• Matching our skills to the needs of our clients

• Equipping our clients with effective work skills

• Promoting mutual respect between ourselves and our clients

• Working in a way that is approachable, respectful, accessible and friendly, while maintaining professional boundaries

• Continuously improving our services

• Encouraging innovation and creativity

• Ensuring a balance between meaningful and economic service delivery

• Acknowledging the importance of the vision statements of Vicdeaf and SensWide Services and how these drive the organisation/department

• Adapting to ongoing DEN industry changes

• Valuing efficient and meaningful service delivery

• Promoting SensWide at every opportunity

• Remaining committed to the success of both our Melbourne and Frankston offices

Together we agree to incorporate the above values in our work on a day-to-day basis.

Services

SensWide Employment

SensWide Employment - Support to job seekers who have a sensory impairment find and maintain employment.

SensWide Employment aims to assist people who are unemployed gain employment through specialised support, training and equipment. SensWide is able to offer case management and placement to any person with a sensory impairment assessed by Centrelink as eligible for our service.

Services available from SensWide Employment:

• Detailed assessments of job seeker abilities

• Assistance in job seeking, including resume and letter writing

• Marketing to prospective employers

• Interpreter support at interviews and on the job

• Access to many resources and equipment such as CCTV, TTY, etc.

• On the job support

• Pre and post employment training

• Co-worker training

• Advice with workplace modifications

Who's Eligible

SensWide Employment is able to assist any person with a sensory impairment who is registered as looking for work with Centrelink at no cost.

Job seekers will have to have an assessment at their local Centrelink office with a Centrelink Disability Officer to determine the level of support they can receive. Centrelink will organise a referral to SensWide.

Job seekers must live in the Melbourne metropolitan area (including Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula) and be willing to work at least 8 hours a week.

Getting Assistance

Through Centrelink

You can visit your nearest Centrelink office and ask to be referred to SensWide for employment assistance.

Through SensWide
You can come in, phone, fax or e-mail SensWide for assistance.

For more information contact:

SensWide Services
Level 7, 34 Queen Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9015 5155 Phone
(03) 9614 3070 Fax
(03) 9614 3062 TTY

Click here to e-mail SensWide: info@senswide.com.au

If you would like to know more about our service guarantee to our clients or you are considering joining our service please view our Client Handbook.

Click here to download the Client Handbook

Employer Services

SensWide employer services provide a range of services to employers and their employees in order to ensure positive employment outcomes for staff with sensory impairment.

SensWide can also provide a range of services to employers and their employees in order to ensure positive employment outcomes. Services include:

• Full assessment of functional sensory ability including recommendations on strategies to overcome barriers specific to their role within an organisation.

• Recommendations and installation of specialised equipment

• Full work site assessment (including OH&S implications) to create a workplace suitable for employees with a sensory impairment

• Co-worker and employer training in sensory issues

• Australian Sign Language and Deaf Culture training for staff

• Advice on vision loss and mobility awareness

• Support to new employees with a sensory loss as they are being inducted and orientated to their new workplace. As a not-for-profit community business, we will ensure that our fees are well below those of private providers of like services while guaranteeing a much more committed and tailored service.

Some of SensWide’s clients have included:

• Traffic Accident Commission (TAC)
• Job Network Members
• ANZ Bank
• Telstra
• Law firms
• Coles Supermarkets
• YMCA

To find out more about how SensWide can assist your organisation please phone 9015 5155.

SensWide Staff

SensWide is staffed by highly skilled and experienced people with an in-depth knowledge of employment issues and sensory loss.

Staff Profiles

Andrew Lyall - Executive Manager

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching; Graduate Diploma of Special Education (Vision Impairments); Advanced Certificate of Applied Language (Auslan); Diploma of Interpreting and Translating (Auslan); Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training; Diploma of Business (Frontline Management); Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing and Editing).

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Andrew has over sixteen years experience within the sensory disability field, and is qualified as both a teacher of students with vision impairments and an Auslan Interpreter. Since starting at SensWide in 1997, Andrew has worked as a Sensory Consultant, Project Co-ordinator, Team Leader and Service Manager. Andrew currently has responsibility for Vicdeaf’s strategic planning portfolio.

John Donnon - Service Co-ordinator/  Assistant Executive Manager

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education; Certificate IV in Auslan; Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training, Diploma of Business (Management).

John has a range of invaluable skills gained from working in many different areas: small business management, customer service, teaching, working with Deaf children and project management. Initially starting at SensWide as an Employment Consultant, John is now the Service Co-ordinator and the Assistant Executive Manager. His current responsibilities include intake of new clients, team leading and supporting the Executive Manager with a variety of business and HR decisions.

Leanne Van Opijnen - Senior Employment Consultant

Qualifications: : Diploma of Interpreting and Translating (Auslan); Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training; Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety (off Diploma).

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Leanne brings with her a vast knowledge of the Deaf community, having worked in the sensory disability field for over seven years both at Victorian Deaf Society and as a freelance Interpreter. She brings a unique understanding of the challenges that members of the Deaf and vision impaired communities face. She has undertaken a variety of roles since starting with SensWide and is currently the Occupational Health and Safety Representative. In August 2007 Leanne won the Community Interpreter Award (Excellence in Auslan).

Maree Hadden - Employment Consultant

Qualifications: Diploma of Auslan; Certificate in Notetaking for Deaf and Hearing Impaired; Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan); Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Maree commenced her role at SensWide in 2005 shortly after completing a Diploma of Auslan. Since starting at SensWide, Maree has enjoyed developing her knowledge of sensory impairments and of the Disability Employment Network. She enjoys the diversity of the Employment Consultant role here at SensWide and is looking forward to the challenges that our new Uncapped contract will bring in the future. Maree has worked in a number of different areas and prior to commencing at SensWide she was involved in business management and customer service.

Karli Vulling - Employment Consultant

Qualifications: Diploma of Auslan and Deaf Studies; Certificate in Notetaking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Diploma of Interpreting and Translating (Auslan); Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Karli commenced her role at SensWide early 2006 and has been on a steep learning curve since. She thoroughly enjoys working within the SensWide team and believes the extensive knowledge and advice her team members share is invaluable.

Karli enjoys the variety that her role entails and that every day is different to the next! She believes that her previous studies at Kangan Batman (in Auslan) and RMIT (in interpreting) have equipped her with excellent skills to work with the Deaf clients. She is enjoying the casual interpreting that she undertakes both within and outside of her role at SensWide. Prior to commencing at SensWide, Karli worked in a variety of areas including customer service, personal development for youth, and respite care.

Jo Kelly - Employment Consultant

Qualifications: Certificate IV in Human Resource Management

Jo Kelly has worked in the human resource field for over 10 years. She has a solid understanding of human resource management and has experience in placement, support and marketing. Jo works mostly with clients in our generalist programme. She is about to complete her Bachelor of Business in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management. She is also keen to learn Auslan!

Zoe Pow - Employment Consultant

Qualifications: Diploma of Auslan and Deaf Studies; Diploma of Interpreting and Translating (Auslan); Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Zoe joins us from the Vicdeaf East Melbourne site where she worked in the Auslan Interpreting Booking Office for 2 years. Zoe has in-depth knowledge of the interpreting field and the Deaf Community which she has gained since beginning studies in Auslan in 2002.. Prior to her change of career in 2002, Zoe worked predominantly in customer service including different positions of management.

Di Attard - Administration Officer

Qualifications: Diploma of Auslan and Deaf Studies; Certificate in Notetaking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Di has worked in a number of Vicdeaf departments over the last 5 years, including Information and Rehabilitation, and hearservice. Since moving to SensWide from head office in September 2007, she has been keen to learn all the different aspects of administration requirements for the Disability Employment Network (DEN) industry. Di has a wide range of skills and experience in office administration, and is continuing to expand her knowledge of SensWide’s employment services. Di is responsible for the everyday running of the SensWide office. She is currently studying a Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) at RMIT and looking forward to utilising her signing skills more in the future.

Christine Floyd - Employment Maintenance Officer

Currently on Maternity Leave

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching; Bachelor of Education; Graduate Diploma of Special Education (Behavioral Management); Auslan Level 4 (Barton TAFE); Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training.

Chris contributes significant employment expertise to SensWide, having worked in the employment field for over seven years. She has extensive experience in marketing, placement and on-the-job training to people who are Deaf and/or vision impaired. Chris is currently on maternity leave but will return in July 2009. She has two beautiful little girls, Madeline and Jacqueline. Gemmah, her wonderful dog is the girls’ best friend.

Keiron Wood - Employment Maintenance Officer

Qualifications: Diploma of Auslan and Deaf Studies, Certificate in Notetaking for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Diploma of Interpreting and Translating (Auslan).

NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter (Auslan)

Prior to commencing at SensWide, Keiron worked as a freelance interpreter and is keen to further her skills in this area through her role at SensWide. She is also eager to develop her knowledge of vision impairments and in a range of other relevant fields. Keiron’s past employment has included sales, customer service and working with children. She was recently employed on a casual basis at the VAIS (Vicdeaf Auslan and Interpreter Service) booking office and possesses comprehensive administration skills.’ best friend.

Contact Us

To learn more about the job seeking services at SensWide, please fill in the

Enquiry Form.

The Service Co-ordinator will then contact you to explain the process of joining.

 We want to hear your feedback

 We greatly appreciate information about your satisfaction with our service. If there have been any problems or queries please do not hesitate to call our office. From time to time as part of SensWide's commitment to quality we will survey our clients to ensure our service is at the highest possible standard.

 If you would like to know more about our Client Grievance and Appeals Procedure, please ask one of the staff.

SensWide Services
Level 7, 34 Queen Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: (03) 9015 5155
Fax: (03) 9614 3070
TTY: (03) 9614 3062

SensWide Services
Suite 2, 13-15 Thompson Street,
Frankston VIC 3199

Phone: (03) 9783 6618
Fax: (03) 9770 5482
TTY: (03) 9783 6618

E-mail SensWide: info@senswide.com.au

Links

Deafness and Hearing Impairment

Australian Association of the Deaf
www.aad.org.au

Vicdeaf
www.vicdeaf.com.au

Hearservice
www.hearservice.com.au

Victorian Council of Deaf People
www.vcod.com.au

Deaf Children Australia
www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au

Australian Communication Exchange
www.aceinfo.net.au

Deafness Resources Australia
www.deafnessresources.net.au

Blindness and Vision Impairment

Vision Australia Foundation
www.visionaustralia.org.au

Blind Citizens Australia
www.bca.org.au

Deafblindness

Able Australia Services ( formerly The Deafblind Association)
www.ableaustralia.org.au

Australian Industrial Relations Commission
www.airc.gov.au

Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
www.hreoc.gov.au

Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria
www.equalopportunitycommission.vic.gov.au

Centrelink
www.centrelink.gov.au

Australian Government Sites
www.jobable.gov.au
www.jobsearch.gov.au

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
www.dewr.gov.au

Australian National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
www.disabilityhotline.org

Privacy Policy

Purpose:

SensWide Services is committed to protecting the privacy of personal and sensitive information. This Privacy Policy explains how SensWide manages the information that we collect, use and disclose and contacts for queries about the management of information.
This Privacy Policy does not cover personal information collected or held by SensWide about its employees.

Background

From 21 December 2001, SensWide has been required by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the "Privacy Act") to comply with ten National Privacy Principles [NPP], Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. The NPPs regulate the manner in which personal and sensitive information is handled throughout its life cycle, from collection to use and disclosure, storage, accessibility and disposal.

In order to comply with the NPP SensWide has designed a Privacy Policy appropriate to the provision of specialist employment support services that is based around five essential elements:

1. Notice and disclosure - making the client aware of what information we collect and how we manage their information
2. Client Choice and Consent - always obtaining the appropriate level of agreement from clients in relation to their information
3. Access and Correction - the right to view, modify or delete relevant information
4. Security - ensuring the integrity and protection of data
5. Redress - ensuring a simple pathway for requests, complaints and dispute resolution.

Definitions

Definitions

• Personal information is information or an opinion, in any form and whether true or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent or can reasonably be ascertained from the information or opinion.
• Special provisions apply to the collection of personal information which is sensitive information. This includes health information and information about a persons' race, ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of political, professional or trade associations, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual preferences and criminal history.

Collection of Personal Information by SensWide Services

SensWide is required to collect personal information and may need to collect some sensitive information in order to:

• Accurately assess the client needs for employment support services
• Accurately tailor its services to meet client needs
• When providing support services such as (but not limited to) case management, developing resume and application letters, assistance with job search, supporting clients when in employment in addressing workplace issues.

What kind of Personal Information does SensWide Collect?

To the extent required by the Privacy Act:

SensWide will not collect personal information unless that information is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities. These functions and activities will primarily relate to providing individuals with quality employment assistance and support.

Information that may be generally collected and held by SensWide may include, but not be limited to:

• Individual's name and address
• Individual's date of birth
• An individual's job seeker identification or information pertaining to the individual's eligibility to receive employment support services
• An individual's resume, references and academic or training qualifications
• Information about the individual's skills, experience, competencies, employment background, employment goals, skill/training requirements
• Information regarding an individual's progress while SensWide provides support which may relate to job search activities, employment interviews, training undertaken, other issues identified by SensWide or the individual from time-to-time.

SensWide will not collect sensitive information unless individuals have provided written consent to disclose such information. Generally, sensitive information that may be disclosed to SensWide may relate to health, disability or other issues that may present the individual with barriers to employment.

How Does SensWide collect Personal and Sensitive Information?

SensWide will collect personal information only by lawful and fair means and not in an unreasonably intrusive manner.

When SensWide collects personal information directly from an individual, it will take all reasonable steps at or before the time of collection to ensure that the individual is aware of certain key matters, such as the purposes for which SensWide is collecting the information, the organisations (or types of organisations) to which SensWide would normally disclose information of that kind, the fact that the individual is able to access the information and how to contact SensWide.

All clients will be made aware of what information is required and the reason it is required:

• Verbally / Auslan when meeting with intake staff and employment consultants
• In writing, as all forms which collect information include advice regarding how SensWide protects clients privacy, the nature of the information required, how it will be used, what other organisations to which SensWide usually discloses information
• The Client Handbook is provided to each client at commencement of service that advises each client on SensWide's privacy policy
• The client's consent must be gained whenever SensWide collects personal or sensitive information. Each form that collects and records information provides the opportunity for clients to give their consent
• Advice will be provided regarding how the client can access the information
• Any law that requires the particular information to be collected.

Other parties/organisations with whom SensWide may collect/disclose information

SensWide will collect personal/sensitive information directly from individuals where it is reasonable and practicable to do so. Where SensWide collects information about individuals from a third party, we will still take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are made aware of the details set out above.

Other parties whom SensWide may collect or disclose personal and/or agreed sensitive information may include, but not be limited to:

• Past, present, potential employers
• Centrelink representatives
• Training providers/educational institutions
• Clinical practitioners/treating doctors from whom more specific information may be required
• Other service providers which have or are currently supporting clients
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information by SensWide Services

The primary purpose for the use personal/sensitive information shall always be to provide support and services with the aim of enhancing an individual's ability and opportunity to seek long term employment.

If SensWide collects, uses or discloses personal/sensitive information for a purpose other the main reason for which it was originally, to the extent required by the Privacy Act, we will ensure that:

• the use or disclosure of information is related to the primary purpose of collection (and directly related in the case of sensitive information), and the client would reasonably expect that SensWide would use or disclose the information in that way; or
• the individual has provided consent to the use or disclosure of their personal information for the secondary purpose; or
• the use or disclosure is required or authorised by or under law; or
• the use or disclosure is otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act (for example, as a necessary part of an investigation of suspected unlawful activity).

In all cases the employment consultant must clearly explain why these steps are necessary to providing the employment support service.

Data Quality and Security

To the extent required by the Privacy Act, SensWide will take reasonable steps to:

• make sure that the personal information that we collect, use and disclose is accurate, complete and up to date;
• protect the personal information that we hold from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure; and
• destroy or permanently de-identify personal information that is no longer needed for any purpose that is permitted by the Privacy Act.

Clients' personal details are stored in a single, secure database on SensWide's premises. All information collected in the course of providing employment support services are stored on client files that are kept under lock and key and protected by building security. Access to client information is controlled and limited to our staff.

Anonymity

SensWide will generally provide individuals with the option of not identifying themselves when entering into the service when it is lawful and practicable to do so. However, the Commonwealth for reporting purposes requires some essential information to be collected.

Use of Commonwealth Government Identifiers

SensWide will not use Commonwealth government identifiers ("Identifiers") (such as Medicare numbers) as its own identifier of individuals. We will only use or disclose Identifiers in the circumstances permitted by the Privacy Act.

Access and Correction of Individual's Personal Information

All Individuals will be made aware of how to contact SensWide if they would like to access or correct their personal information that SensWide holds. SensWide will generally provide the individual with access to personal information if practicable, and will take reasonable steps to amend any personal information that is incorrect. In some circumstances, SensWide may not permit access to personal information, or may refuse to correct the individual's personal information. Should this occur we will provide written reasons for this decision.

Clients who wish to access their information may request to do so with their employment consultant or put their request in writing to the Executive Manager of SensWide.

SensWide's Privacy Contact

All queries about the personal/sensitive information that SensWide holds about or the way we handle that personal/sensitive information. The contact details for privacy queries are set out below:

Executive Manager
SensWide Services
Level 7, 34 Queen Street
Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9015 5155
Fax: 9614 3070
TTY: 9614 3062
Email: andrewl@senswide.com.au

Further information about the NPPs and the application of the Privacy Act to the private sector generally can be found at the website of the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner, at www.privacy.gov.au.

Complaints

Individuals can contact the SensWide Privacy Contact using the above details should they have any concerns or complaints about the manner in which their personal/sensitive information has been collected or handled by SensWide.

Reference:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
• National Privacy Principles [NPP]
• SensWide Services Client Privacy Information Brochure March 2005

Licence Statement

SensWide Services grants you a limited license to access and make personal use of this site and not to download (other than page caching) or modify it, or any portion of it, except with express written consent of SensWide Services. This license does not include any resale or commercial use of this site or its contents; any collection and use of any product listings, descriptions, or prices; any derivative use of this site or its contents; any downloading or copying information for the benefit of another merchant; or any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools. This site or any portion of this site may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, visited, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose without express written consent of SensWide Services. You may not frame or utilise framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other proprietary information (including images, text or form) of SensWide Services and our affiliates without express written consent. You may not use any meta tags or any other "hidden text" utilising the name or trademarks of SensWide Services, without the express written consent of SensWide Services. Any unauthorised use terminates the permission or license granted by SensWide Services. You are granted a limited, revocable, and nonexclusive right to create a hyperlink to the home page of SensWide Services so long as the link does not portray SensWide Services or their products or services in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive matter. You may not use any SensWide Services logo or other proprietary graphic or trademark as part of the link without express written permission.