Tigrinya

How to get support for a loved one with special needs |Part 1: Introduction  
This information is for people with disabilities and their families. 
Part 1 is about disability and how to contact MRC Tas. Part 2 is about different types of help.
It is presented by Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (or MRC Tas for short).
People living with disability have special needs to support their participation in the activities of everyday life. 
Without support, people living with a disability and their family members caring for them can miss out on life’s opportunities.
Unfair social beliefs, attitudes and shame is an additional challenge faced by many people living with disability. 
In Australia there are supports for people who are living with disability. This is because they have the same rights as everyone else. Disability is not a curse and does not mean a person is less good or less valuable. 
Disability can happen to anyone. It can be caused by an accident or a health condition. Or it can be something you were born with. 
Most people understand that a person using a wheelchair is living with a disability because they can see the physical disability. 
Other types of disability are harder to notice such as difficulty seeing, hearing or speaking. 
Some disability is invisible and noticed in how they learn, grow and behave. 
A person may have difficulty developing as a child (such as intellectual disability – this can make learning new things hard).
A person may have difficulty with their brain and thinking (such as a cognitive disability from a head injury – this can make remembering things hard). 
A person may have difficulty with their mental health (such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – this can make daily life hard when a person keeps re-experiencing past traumas) 
A person may have difficulty with their feelings (such as depression – this low mood can make motivation to take actions hard).
A person may have difficulty socially (such as people living with autism – this can make social interactions very hard) 
In Australia, regardless of the type of disability, or how it was caused, people living with disability have as much right as everyone else to learn, work, and enjoy their lives. And so do the family members who are ‘carers’ for them. 
With support, people living with a disability and their family members caring for them can enjoy more of life’s opportunities. Part 2 is about different types of help.
To talk with us about the information in this introduction, please phone between 9am – 5pm. If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 first. 
Say your language, tell the interpreting service your name, and give the interpreter the phone number for Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania 03 6221 0999.

Tigrinya_People with special needs

How to get support for your loved one with special needs | Part 2: Different types of help
This information is for people with disabilities and their families. 
In part 1 we talked about disability and how having special needs can make it harder for people to participate in daily activities. We also talked about how negative social attitudes about disability also makes it harder for people to enjoy their lives. 
Part 2 is about different types of help.
It is presented by Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (or MRC Tas for short).
Some types of support for people living with disability and special needs are: 
1.	NDIS - National Disability Insurance Scheme. This is managed by a government body named NDIA - National Disability Insurance Agency. 

An approved NDIS plan includes money to buy the help or equipment needed due to the disability so that you can participate in activities. NDIS does not replace medical practitioners or give you cash for other purposes. 

2.	DSP – Disability Support Pension. This is a type of income support from the government body called Services Australia. You might know them by the previous name Centrelink. 
An approved DSP application provides regular money (sometimes called a pension) from Services Australia (Centrelink) for your basic living expenses. 
3.	Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are community services (such as MRC Tas that can help you find information and supports) or specialist disability services (such as providers of individual support and group activities)
You need to apply for most services or supports. Many people need help and guidance to apply for support. It can involve many steps to find out if you are eligible for support. 
Most applications need formal medical evidence for your disability. It can be a health assessment and report from your General Practitioner (GP). They will be trying to understand the impact of the disability on your ability to participate in life. Often you will need to see a specialist in your type of disability as well.
You may also need to show proof of your age and also your permanent residency with your visa type or Australian Citizenship. 
For example, if you arrived to Australia under the Refugee Settlement Program with a visa 200, 202, or 204 – you are already an Australian Permanent Resident. 
If you have a problem applying for support, or a question, a complaint or simply forgot what you were meant to do - call the service directly to get help. 
Calling an interpreter first means you have an interpreter on the telephone to help you speak with the service easily. 
You might like to stop the audio so you can get a pen to write down these phone numbers. 
To find out about the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) phone 131 450 first to get an interpreter. Then clearly, say the name of the language you need an interpreter. Then, when the interpreter in on the phone, you can tell them that you want to speak to the NDIS 1800 800 110. They will connect you so that you can have your conversation or ask your question with the help of the interpreter. 
To find out about the DSP (Disability Support Pension) you can visit the nearest Centrelink office and ask. You can also call their multilingual phone services at 131 202 and speak to Centrelink in your language. 
To find out about other community or disability supports, call 131 450 first if you need an interpreter. Say your language, tell the interpreting service your name, and give the interpreter the phone number for Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania 03 6221 0999.
We welcome your feedback, questions or comments about this information. 
We hope this information has been useful for you, or someone you know.

Tigrinya_Support for people with special needs

This is an important message from the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania about help for people with disabilities.

In the past it was common for people with disability to stay at home and not get to do things or go into the community.

In Australia people with disability have the right to get support so they can participate in the activities of every day life. And to participate in the community as well.

For example, education, recreation, community and cultural events.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, helps people under the age of 65 years old with a permanent and significant disability.

Permanent means the disability will not go away.

Significant means the disability affects the things people need and want to do every day.

People with an NDIS plan will get supports and services they need to participate in every day life.

For more information you can phone Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania on 03 6221 0999. To use an interpreter, call 131 450 first.

Or you can visit us by dropping in on any Monday between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania office at 1a Anfield Street, Glenorchy.

Maybe your family doesn’t need this information, but maybe you can share it with a family who might find it helpful.

Please share this message so that everyone is included in the life of the community. Thank you.

Disability and NDIS Information in Tigrinya

This information about ‘how to get an interpreter on the phone’ is brought to you by Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. 

Whatever your English level is – you still need to use services to manage daily life. 

That’s when an interpreter from the Translating and Interpreting Service can help. 

The Translating and Interpreting Service (called TIS for short) is run by the government with professional interpreters all around Australia. 

Interpreters must be accurate and keep information confidential. 
It is not hard to get an interpreter. Here’s how to do it. 

Phone 131 450. When the automatic voice stops, say your language. 
The call will go to a worker at TIS National. Tell them your language. 

The TIS worker will get an interpreter. Tell the interpreter your name. 

Tell the interpreter the phone number of who you’re trying to call. 

Include the area code 03 before a Tasmanian phone number. 
(This is because the Translating and Interpreting Service is for all Australia.) 

The TIS worker will connect you to that phone number. 

If the phone is answered, the interpreter will help you speak.

If the phone is unanswered, the interpreter will help you leave a message. 

You pay the cost of the phone call. The organisation pays the cost of the interpreter.

So that’s it. You only need to know three things:

1.	How to dial 131 450 – save it in your mobile
2.	How to say your name – that should be easy 
3.	The phone number you’re calling – with the 03 for Tasmania

TIS is a great service! 

But you can’t call any phone number with it.

You can call to get an interpreter help you on the phone to talk to organisations that have an account with the Translating and Interpreting Service. Their account needs to allow incoming interpreter calls. 

These are examples of some of the organisations that you can call:
•	Doctors – to book an appointment
•	Real Estate – to have a letter explained or report a problem
•	Chemist – to ask a pharmacist a medication question
•	Service Tasmania – to book a driving test
•	Legal Aid – to know what the law says
•	Equal Opportunities Tasmania – to report discrimination or racism
•	Police Assistance Line – to ask or tell the police anything that is not a life threatening emergency.
•	Aurora Electricity – to ask about billing or a payment plan
•	Health Direct –24 hrs/ day access to nurse for advice if you’re not sure what to do, and how serious a health problem is
•	National Disability Insurance Scheme – information and help people with disabilities
•	The Department of Home Affairs – to ask about citizenship information
•	Hospital – to have an appointment letter explained 

You have the right to access goods and services without discrimination based on who you are or where you came from. So if you need an interpreter ask for it. 

You can phone Equal Opportunities Tasmania with an interpreter on 03 6165 7515 if you think you are being discriminated against.   

For more information or feedback on this resource phone Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania 03 6221 0999 or email settlement@mrctas.org.au

How To Call TIS -Tigrinyan Speakers

Discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly because of who they are.  

If you are treated badly because of something like your: race, religion, age, gender, or where you are from - this is discrimination.

In Tasmania, discrimination is against the law.

The law says you cannot be discriminated against:
•	At work.
•	When you are applying for a job.
•	When you are trying to find accommodation.
•	When you go to places like shops, restaurants, and hospitals.
•	When you use public transport.
•	At school, university, or when you are doing a training course.
•	When you join a club. 

Equal Opportunity Tasmania can help people who have experienced discrimination.  

Equal Opportunity Tasmania deals with reports and complaints about discrimination.  

Equal Opportunity Tasmania gives free:
•	Help with making a complaint.
•	Access to interpreters and translators.
•	Investigation of complaints.
•	Help to people to resolve complaints.
•	Community education.
•	Referral to other people and organisations that might be able to help.

Equal Opportunity Tasmania’s telephone number is: 03 6165 7515. 

You can call Equal Opportunity Tasmanian with an interpreter by:
•	Phoning the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
•	Tell them your language.
•	Tell the interpreter your name and that you're calling Equal Opportunity Tasmania: 03 6165 7515

Equal Opportunity Tasmania - Tigrinyan Speakers

As you know, many people from migrant backgrounds find driving challenging, because they don’t have someone to help them with driving practice.

And people with lower English levels really value learning with someone who speaks the same language.

Iakpa is one of our Nepali speaking driver mentors who said:

“when I arrived in Tasmania, it was difficult without a licence. I had support from my community to learn driving. Because I know the feeling without a licence, I wanted to give 2 hours per week to support other learner drivers.”

Have you ever thought about helping people to learn to drive?

You can help learner drivers without worrying about your car, insurance or petrol cost because MRC Tas has two cars which have full insurance, petrol, and two brakes for safety when supervising learner drivers.

Hossain is one of our mentors from Afghanistan. He said:

“Volunteering is a great opportunity because his community really needs help with driving. Many people pay a lot of money for driving schools because they don’t have anyone to practice with. Reducing their cost of getting a licence is a really good benefit of volunteering.”

So if you have 2 hours a week, you can help others using the MRC Tas cars too!

Thir is one of our mentors from Bhutan. He said:

“I feel rewarded and empowered in my driving mentor role. It is a well-managed driving program. Because the cars are available 24/7, it is way easier to work out a time to practice with my learner. Communities benefit from this driving program.”

If you are interested we will check that you are eligible to volunteer as a supervisor driver in this program.

First of all, you must be over 25 years old, and hold a full Australian driving licence for over 2 years.

You will also need a current police check and working with vulnerable people check. We can show you how to get these if you don’t already have them.

To get started as a volunteering please either:
• phone Vatsal on 6221 0999;
• email driving@mrctas.org.au; or
• fill in the form on the volunteering page on the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania website which is www.mrctas.org.au.

If you know anyone else who might be able to share their time and language skills as a volunteer learner driver mentor, please share this message! Thank you.

The MRC Tas Driving Program is funded by the Tasmanian Government and the Department of Social Services. It is fuelled by the good will of our volunteers.

Tigrinya Speaking Driving Mentors Needed

Important information about coronavirus and what to do if you become unwell.

This information has been read out by the Australian Red Cross – Tasmania Bi Cultural Community Health Program, from the Tasmanian Government COVID translated resource, supplied by the Launceston General Hospital: https://mrctas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/46761-COVID_TIGRINYA_FINAL.pdf

What to do if you become unwell - Tigrinya (coronavirus)

Phone calls can be scary when you feel shy about speaking English. 

Did you know that you can get an interpreter to help you get information or help from a service?

Children and young people might use TIS to call:

•	Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 
o	Call any day, any time, for any reason for support. For anyone under 25 years of age.

•	Health Direct 1800 022 222
o	Call any day, any time to talk with a nurse about a health concern.

•	Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
o	Call between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday for information and help to settle into Australia.

Family members may work with lots of services so they might use TIS to call:
 
•	 doctor, 
•	real estate agent (Housing), 
•	chemist, 
•	Service Tasmania, 
•	Legal Aid, 
•	Police Assistance Line,  
•	Aurora Electricity,
•	Health Direct, 
•	National Disability Insurance Scheme, or 
•	The Department of Home Affairs.
 
In Australia, interpreting is a professional job. It’s not like asking a friend for help. 

Interpreters carry messages between languages without changing the message.

Interpreters also keep all information private. 

Like a doctor, the only time they can share any information is to get help from authorities to keep someone safe from serious harm. 

You can call from a mobile, a pay phone, or you could ask to use a phone at school or another organisation.

Here’s how to get an interpreter - 

Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (or TIS for short) to get an interpreter: 131 450.  

When the automatic voice stops, say the name of your language. Say it loud and clear. 

The TIS worker will get the interpreter. 

Tell the interpreter your name and the phone number you want to call. 

Include the area code of 03 before the phone number so they know it’s a Tasmanian phone number.  

The TIS worker will connect you to the service. 

If the phone is answered, the interpreter will help you speak with the service.

If the phone is unanswered, the interpreter can help you leave a message. 

That’s it! Now you can get help for yourself - or show family and friends how to get help.

You only pay the cost of the phone call. The organisation pays the cost of the interpreter.

TIGRINYA - how young people can call an interpreter

https://mrctas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Social-Distancing-Factsheet-Tigrinya.pdf

What does social distancing mean?

Social distancing means keeping one and a half metres (or five feet) of space between you and other people. This is about two large steps. 

What can you do?

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Go to the supermarket, pharmacy and bank if you need to.
• You can exercise outside, but stay in your local area if you can. 
• You can visit someone to provide support or care. 
• Keep going to your normal medical appointments. These are important.
• Leave items for your family and friends who don’t live with you, at their front door. 
• Keep one and a half metres away from other people when you leave your home.

What can’t you do?

• Don’t shake hands, hug or kiss people when you meet them.
• Don’t leave home unless you have to. For example, if you need to go to the shop, to the doctor and to get petrol, try to combine these trips into one trip rather than three separate trips.
• Stay away from areas where there are a lot of people. For example, if the car park at the supermarket looks full or it looks crowded inside, try to come back at another time.
 
What should I do at home?

• Keep air flowing through the house, as long as you are warm.
• Clean benches, light switches and door handles around your home.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water and dry them. This is especially important as soon as you come home, after you use the toilet, after you sneeze, cough or touch your face and before handling food.

 How can I keep connected to others?

• Stay connected to your friends and family online and by phone. 
• You can talk to your neighbours over the fence, but stay two large steps apart. 
• If you need advice or support, call:
o	Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (03) 6221 0999
o	Catholic Care (03) 6278 1660
o	Migrant Resource Centre North (03) 6332 2211

What if I get sick?

• If you get sick with fever (or signs of fever like night sweats or chills) or cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, call your doctor or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
• If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and tell them your language.
• If you need health advice for something else, call your doctor or HealthDirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
• If you get very sick and are worried or have trouble breathing, call 000 for an ambulance.
• You can also call your Bi Cultural Health Worker at Red Cross on (03) 6235 6077.

Tigrinya  - Social Distancing Factsheet

https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/covid-19/ways-to-be-kind-to-yourself

Helpful information about ways to stay happy and hopeful during COVID-19

This information has been read out by the Australian Red Cross – Tasmania Bi Cultural Community Health Program, from the Australian Red Cross translated resource 'Ways to stay happy and hopeful during COVID-19'

Trigrinya  - Ways to stay happy and hopeful during COVID-19 - Australian Red Cross

These audio recordings have been provided by the Australian Red Cross – Tasmania Bi Cultural Community Health Program, which operates in Hobart and Launceston.

These audio recordings have been created using the Australian Red Cross resource ‘Simple steps to reduce the risk of coronavirus for yourself and others’ poster

https://www.redcross.org.au/getmedia/7c859c55-86bb-4ed5-923a-944f617f182e/Coronavirus-A4-NEW-English.pdf.aspx

Tigrinya - Simple steps to reduce the risk of Coronavirus - Australian Red Cross

SBS has made the Uluru Statement from the Heart available in over 60 languages to continue the national dialogue with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in their own languages.

In May 2017, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates came together at the First Nations National Constitutional Convention near Uluru and adopted the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Statement provides a roadmap for recognising First Nations in Australia’s Constitution, proposing structural reform on three fronts; Voice, Treaty and Truth.

It followed a two-year deliberative dialogue designed and led by 13 First Nations Regional Dialogues and was adopted by 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates.

It seeks to establish a relationship between Australia's First Nations peoples and the Australian nation based on truth, justice and self-determination to move forward towards reconciliation, without ceding sovereignty.

For more information: ulurustatement.org/our-story

Music by Frank Yamma.

Tigrinya Uluru Statement of the Heart

Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting people from migrant backgrounds to settle successfully in Tasmania since 1979.