Off to Melbourne!

Today's the day to get back in the time-zone saddle. Late this afternoon I am heading, finally, to Melbourne, Australia. I am so excited (and not just to see koalas, ok?)! I do have a host I will stay with, and I will be visiting the Victorian Women with Disabilities Network (http://www.vwdn.org.au/), as well as the Deaf Children Australia organization (www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au), hopefully Werribee, and possibly a few other stops. For those not familiar with Melbourne, it is located on Port Philip Bay in the state of Victoria. It will be spring there (although Chicago is experiencing some nice fall weather).

To better understand Australian disability services, Wikipedia explains the government system and disability services fall under the purview of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The Aussie government is working on a National Disability Strategy, about which effort I hope to learn more while I am there. And why Australia, in the first place, again? Because it is the home of Women with Disabilities Australia! Shoot, I want a Women with Disabilities America!

So, many thanks to the Melburnians who have welcomed me thus far via e-mail, and I'll be seeing you shortly! Stay tuned...