Children and Young People with Disability Australia

Traditional pathways into work can be inaccessible to young people with disability, but hospitality and higher education aren’t the only ways to find employment.

Join us on Tuesday, 6 August to hear from a panel of people with a diverse range of career journeys about how you can find a pathway that works for you.

Sign up for free here: https://tinyurl.com/ypuca3cx



ID: A photo shows a fair-skinned blonde man with very short arms wearing a black top and brown apron and painting at an easel. Text to the left and below reads: “Panel discussion: Different pathways to your future career. Tuesday 6 August, 12pm – 1pm AEST.” The DREAM Employment Network and CYDA logos sit bottom left.

What are my options? Hear from our panel on different pathways to your future career Hospitality and higher education aren't the only ways to get into employment. Hear from a panel with a diverse range of career journeys.

What makes a resumé truly stand out? How can you use LinkedIn when looking for a job? 🔍

Join us next Tuesday, 30 July for our second free workshop on everything resumé writing, LinkedIn profiles, and networking.

You’ll hear from leadership, employment and development professionals from youth disability organisations on how to WOW employers.

Sign up for free here: https://tinyurl.com/nm46pr6v



ID: A photograph shows three documents attached to clipboards with the headings “Job Application”, “Resume”, and “Curriculum Vitae”. Text to the left and below reads: “Workshop for young people with disability. Resumé writing, LinkedIn profiles and how to network. Tuesday 30 July, 4pm – 5:30pm AEST.” The logos for the DREAM Employment Network, Enabled Youth Disability Network and CYDA sit bottom left.

Resumé writing, LinkedIn profiles and how to network A safe and casual space to speak to the experts, ask questions and practice your skills in resume writing, LinkedIn and more!

“Disability pride can be exceedingly difficult to obtain when you have a progressive condition and you’re in a constant cycle of grieving and accepting."

“How can I feel pride about my disability when my condition is life-threatening, and I won’t get to experience all the stages of life? How can I feel pride about my disability when I am constantly grieving the loss of function and new debilitating symptoms? How can I feel pride about my disability when, if given the option, I’d take a magic pill to cure my condition (well, some of them) without hesitation?"

"...For someone like me, disability pride is about neutrality. It’s about finding those specific points where I am as comfortable and confident as possible with myself, my body, and my identity."

Mac Zamani writes about the complexities of disability pride and the importance of challenging toxic narratives for

Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/tcu8pkzh



ID: A photo of a young man with curly dark hair and a beard wearing a brown beanie and sweater. He is using a wheelchair and has a laptop open on his lap as he speaks into a microphone. The red, yellow, white, blue, and green Disability Pride flag sits in the background.

Disability pride can be difficult and messy, and that's okay Mac Zamani writes about the complexities of disability pride and the importance of challenging toxic narratives.

Yesterday, our CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore appeared on ABC Afternoon Briefing for an in-depth interview about CYDA’s role on the new NDIS Children’s Expert Advisory Group.

“Families, rightfully so, are keen to make sure they’re getting the best possible support, at the time when their child needs it the most, from the providers that are going to deliver it in the best possible way,” she told host Greg Jennett.

“The [Advisory Group] is a really crucial piece in the puzzle in connecting the experiences of people with disability on the ground to the policy the [NDIA] is setting.”

Skye also spoke about the importance of ensuring the NDIS works alongside foundational supports.

“What we are crystal clear about is that we don’t want any child or young person removed from the Scheme while there are no supports available outside of it,” she said.

“Foundational supports are supposed to roll out from the middle of 2025, but if the government systems at the state level aren’t ready for that by then, you can expect that the disability community will be putting up a massive fight.”

Full interview on ABC iView: https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NU2422C127S00

ID: An image shows a male news anchor wearing a black suit in a TV studio gesturing with his arms as he interviews a woman on a screen in front of him. The woman has long blonde hair and is wearing black-framed glasses, a black jacket, and a checkered top. The headline running along the bottom reads: “NDIS Support. Expert group to help improve experiences for children.” The ABC News logo sits bottom right.

CYDA welcomes the chance to help build a better NDIS for children with disability and their families as part of a new advisory group, announced today.

The Children’s Expert Advisory Group will co-design improvements to the Scheme – including those arising from the NDIS Review – alongside the NDIA.

CYDA’s goal is to ensure the needs and lived experiences of children with disability and their families take top priority throughout this process.

“The NDIS provides vital support to children, particularly in the early years, but we know the scheme can be difficult to access and navigate,” CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore said.

“We look forward to working with government to ensure reforms meet the needs of our community, and result in the best possible outcomes for children and young people.”

Find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/342wm82d



Pictured: Skye Kakoschke-Moore (second from right), with NDIA Children’s Taskforce’s Samantha Taylor, Koorana Child & Family Services CEO Morgan Fitzpatrick, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, and Noah's Ark Inc. CEO John Forster.

ID: A photo shows a group of smiling men and women in dresses and suits in a brightly lit playroom with grey carpeting. A smiley face is attached to the wall in the background, while trees can be seen through the windows bordering the space.

It’s great to see serious discussion about the need to phase out segregated education in South Australia.

CYDA has long called for a countrywide transformation of our education system. We want children and young people with disability to be given the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

That means throughout the learning journey.

Full article here: https://tinyurl.com/3433f4t4



ID: A photo shows a group of three children smiling as they ride their bicycles in front of a large group. They are wearing pink and black helmets.

'Valued': Students with disability can thrive in inclusive mainstream classrooms After Harry Banks acquired a severe brain injury as a baby his parents thought special school would be his only education option. Twelve years later he is flourishing at his local mainstream school.

Are you a young person with disability keen to work in the advocacy space?

We're looking for three new Project Support Officers to join the team!

Reporting to the Senior Project Coordinator, you’ll draw on your lived experience to provide insights and effectively engage young people with disability.

These positions are fixed-term and part-time. CYDA is based in Collingwood, Victoria, but we have staff working from all over Australia and remote work is supported.

To find out more and apply, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3xtsvcuc

Applications close Sunday, 28 July 📅

Now hiring: 3 x Project Support Officers Children and Young People with Disability Australia is looking for three Project Support Officers to join our team.

We have five exciting new opportunities to join Team CYDA! ✨

We’re looking for:

🔹 A Campaign Coordinator
🔹 A Senior Project Coordinator
🔹 A Communications Officer
🔹 Two Policy Officers

These positions are fixed-term and part-time. CYDA is based in Collingwood, Victoria, but we have staff working from all over Australia and remote work is supported.

People with disability are highly encouraged to apply.

To find out more and apply, visit: https://cyda.org.au/category/whats-on/work-with-us/

Applications close Sunday, 28 July.

Work With Us Employment opportunities now open at Children and Young people with Disability Australia!

There are just TWO DAYS left to sign up for this exciting online workshop for forward-thinking employers.

Come along this Wednesday to:
🌈 Gain first-hand insight into the diversity of disability
♿️ Learn how to effectively accommodate employees with disability
💬 Find out how to communicate openly about access needs

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/279hntxp

The DREAM Employment Network also recently released a brand-new guide to help employers better understand and accommodate disability in their workplace.

Check it out for free here: https://tinyurl.com/3v9r8fzp



ID: Text reads: “Workshop for employers. Diversity of disability and access needs. Wednesday 17 July, 10:30am – 12pm (Melbourne time).” Above this, a photo shows an orange sunflower next to a green lanyard ribbon covered in pictures of sunflowers. Logos for the DREAM Employment Network, The Field and CYDA run along the bottom of the image.

Our Youth Council have wrapped up their work with us at CYDA, but we are super excited to see Izzie Choate founding Perth's first Disability Pride festival. This looks like it will be an incredible event, so check it out if you can! Happy Disability Pride month! 🎊 🎉

https://www.disabilityprideperth.au/

[ID: A silhouette of a swan over a circle with red, yellow, white blue and green stripes.]

Disability Pride Fest Welcome to Boorloo's first-ever Disability Pride Fest! Created by the disabled community, for the disabled community. Saturday 27th July 2024 Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley + Online

The theme for this year’s National NAIDOC Week (7 – 14 July), ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud’, celebrates the unyielding spirit of First Nations peoples and invites all to stand in solidarity.

It calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

It invites every Australian to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous people are fully valued and respected.

To learn more about NAIDOC Week and the story behind the 2024 poster above, visit naidoc.org.au



ID: The NAIDOC Week Poster, ‘Urapan Muy’ by artist Deb Belyea, depicts the green hands of First Nations ancestors dropping a burning ember on an orange and yellow fire. Red and white text to the right reads: “NAIDOC Week. Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. 7-14 July 2024.”

UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY 🔍

What is disability? How do we talk about it? What are the benefits of bringing accessible practices into the office?

Our quick and easy guide for employers will answer these questions and more, and help employers better understand and accommodate disability in the workplace.

Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/3v9r8fzp

CYDA is also running a workshop on diversity of disability and access needs next Wednesday, 17 July.

Sign up for that here: https://tinyurl.com/279hntxp



ID: Text reads “DREAM Employment Network Resources. Understanding disability. An overview for employers.” A purple graphic of a flashing lightbulb sits in the top right. Below is a set of three small rectangular documents covered in photos and text. The CYDA logo sits bottom left.

Are you a person with disability or a family member/supporter of a person with disability?

The Disability Discovery Project wants to know whether you have the support you need to live the life you want.

Take their short survey here: https://tinyurl.com/48nakf9e

ID: A photo shows a group of people in a brightly lit room. Text surrounding the image reads: “Make a difference to the way disability supports are designed. Add your experiences to the Disability Discovery Project – a research project designed and run by people with disability. Join us: www.disabilitydialogue.com.au.” The Disability Dialogue logo sits bottom right.

Ten organisations have signed this joint statement to strongly condemn recent comments made by Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten regarding the exclusion of s*x work and s*xuality services from the NDIS.

The NDIS is designed to improve the quality of life of people with disability in Australia. It provides funding for people with disability to access reasonable and necessary supports, to pursue their goals, live independently, and participate fully in the community.

The exclusion of s*xuality and s*x work services from the NDIS would undermine the fundamental human rights and the choice, control and access of people with disability to essential supports that enable full participation in all aspects of life, including s*xual expression, health, reproduction and relationships.

Read the full joint statement here: https://tinyurl.com/4386cmc7

Ten Organisations Call for People with Disability’s Access to NDIS Funded Sexuality Services to be Protected Ten organisations have signed this joint statement to strongly condemn recent comments made by Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill Shorten regarding the exclusion of s*x work and s*xuality services from the NDIS.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! 🙌

Accommodating the access needs of your employees is often a lot easier than it sounds.

Returning for its second running, this DREAM Employment Network event is a unique opportunity for forward-thinking employers to:

♿️ Effectively accommodate their disabled employees
🌈 Gain first-hand insight into the diversity of disability
💬 Learn how to communicate openly about access needs

Facilitated by The Field’s Rhys Baxter and CYDA’s Jess Rosenthal and Lucy Solonsch, this event is not one to be missed!

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/279hntxp

The DREAM Employment Network also recently released a brand-new guide to help employers better understand and accommodate disability in their workplace.

Check it out for free here: https://tinyurl.com/3v9r8fzp



ID: Text reads: “Workshop for employers. Diversity of disability and access needs. Wednesday 17 July, 10:30am – 12pm (Melbourne time).” Above this, a photo shows an orange sunflower next to a green lanyard ribbon covered in pictures of sunflowers. Logos for the DREAM Employment Network, The Field and CYDA run along the bottom of the image.

The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with partners, is leading a review of Early Childhood Intervention best practices in Australia.

The project, funded by the Department of Social Services, aims to ensure all children with developmental concerns, delays, and disability get the best possible start in life.

Want to know more? Come along to a free online info session next Tuesday, 16 July at 7:30pm AEST.

You’ll get a chance to:

🔍 Learn about the review process
🗣️ Hear from an expert panel, including Professor Christine Imms, CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore, and others
🤝 Find out how you can get involved as a parent, stakeholder, or professional working in this space

Register here: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/6do8



ID: A photo shows two young children playing with colourful blocks and toy animals in a bright bedroom. The child on the right has long dark hair, is wearing a red dress, and is holding a toy elephant in their hands. The child on the left is wearing green overalls, has mid-length brown hair, and is holding a toy giraffe. Text below the image reads: “Review of Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention. Information Session. 16 July 2024, 7:30pm – 8:30pm.” This is followed by a link to register. The logos of partner organisations run along the bottom.

YOUTH VOICES ON THE NDIS 📢

Last week, CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore joined Tahlia Blanshard and Ellen Gould at a meeting of the NDIA’s Independent Advisory Council, providing invaluable feedback

Over two days, they provided feedback on the IAC’s draft work plan for the year and spoke about the importance of centring youth voice in upcoming NDIS reforms, including the rollout of foundational supports.

They also advocated for the NDIS board to trial Navigator roles across the country's urban, rural, and remote areas and recommended the NDIA fund a project to support young people with disability to take more control of their NDIS plans as they transition to adulthood.

The trio are part of the Children, Young People, and Families Reference Group which advises the NDIA on the most important issues affecting young participants.

More on CYDA’s work on the NDIS here: https://cyda.org.au/advocacy/ndis-review/



ID: A photo shows three smiling people in a brightly lit conference room with orange and black carpeting. The person on the left has curly brown hair and is wearing a grey blazer, the person in the middle has long blonde hair and is wearing glasses, a red top, and a black skirt, and the person on the right has long red hair and is wearing a black blazer.

Are you an NDIS participant, provider, or worker?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissions and KPMG want to find out what you know about, and how you’re using, the NDIS Workforce Capability Framework.

The Framework provides guidance, tools and resources for participants, providers, and workers and can be used to understand the attitudes, skills, and knowledge expected of workers on the NDIS.

Share your insights in this survey by Wednesday, 24 July: https://insightssurvey.kpmg.com.au/wix/5/p548579396635.aspx

Further, if you’d like to participate in a focus group or interview as part of the evaluation, register your interest via an email to [email protected].

's "Stories that Activate" webinar is only a week away!

Register to hear from artists with cerebral palsy on their experiences sharing their stories through music, film, comedy, and other creative mediums.

The event will run from 6pm to 7:30pm AEST on Tuesday, 9 July.

More here: https://tinyurl.com/4e653ysk

is hosting an exciting event dedicated to strengthening community through storytelling for people with cerebral palsy (CP) and allies – and you’re invited! 📢

This webinar will showcase artists with CP who share their experience through music, short film and other mediums, and aims to create a space where stories of resilience and advocacy can spark meaningful conversations and strengthen our collective commitment to inclusivity.

Our super-talented guests include:
🎤 Comedian Angus Thompson,
🎸 Singer-songwriter Dean Nash,
🎬 Filmmaker and activist Meret Hassanen, plus more!

We will also have a short panel discussion with our featured artists to learn more about the experience of sharing stories through art, authentically.

All are welcome – people with disability, family members, carers, disability support workers and allies!

📅 Tuesday 9 July, 2024
⏰6-7:30pm AEST
📍 https://cpactive.org.au/events/stories-that-activate/

PLEASE SAY IT ISN'T SO 😢

It got a smidge sentimental at CYDA last night as we said goodbye and good luck to our amazing Youth Council for 2023-2024.

For the past year, these eleven passionate young people have been a key part of the CYDA family, connecting regularly from across the country to advocate for their peers.

You could fill a treasure chest with their achievements.

Since joining in July, our Youth Council has co-designed a National Youth Disability Summit, facilitated and spoken at CYDA events, written articles for The Platform and other publications, and shared their lived experiences through policy submissions to government.

They’ve also consulted on external projects on everything from support worker capacity-building to NDIS LGBTQIA+ inclusion, produced the Disabled Employee Podcast, created content for CYDA’s social media, and much, much more.

Thanh, Caitlin, Ezra, Izzie, Grace, Dureece, Emily, G, Britt, Mac, and Louise – it’s been a blast having you on the team, and we’re so excited to see where the future takes you.



ID: A photo of CYDA’s Youth Council in a well-lit room in front of a green, orange, and white banner featuring the CYDA logo. Two young people sitting beanbags at the front of the group are holding a cardboard sign depicting an Instagram page and the words “National Youth Disability Summit 2024”. Two other young people who weren’t at the event in person are pictured in circular frames being held by their peers. White text on a purple backdrop at the top of the photo reads: “It’s time to say goodbye to our Youth Council.” The CYDA logo sits bottom right.

Know a Victorian advocate, team, or organisation making a real difference?

From today until 19 July, you can nominate them for the 2024 Victorian Disability Awards!

Details here: https://vda.awardsplatform.com/

The recommendations in the report of the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2024 are disrespectful and profoundly disappointing, say disability organisations.

Our organisations are deeply disappointed that the Senate Committee did not listen to the evidence and expertise of people with disability, our families, supporters and organisations, who made extensive, and detailed submissions about the flaws in the proposed legislation.

Read the full joint statement here: https://tinyurl.com/s94rxj8f

ID: Light green and white text on a dark green background reads “Joint Statement. Amendments vital to make NDIS Bill fair. Access the full release via the link.” The CYDA web address “cyda.org.au” and logo run along the bottom of the image.

This is ridiculous.

You folks created so many amazing pieces at Summit this year, they’re taking up the entire CYDA office.

We’re talking WALL. TO. WALL.

A flood of art.

Can’t get a coffee without nearly tripping over someone’s amazing paper cat or soulful poem.

We love it. Thank you. 💚🙏

You’ll have a chance to check out all the awesome creations made by National Youth Disability Summit 2024 attendees when the Summit Zine officially releases in July!



ID: A photo shows a collection of dozens of colourful hand-drawn and printed artworks lying in a long line across carpeted flooring in an office space. At the bottom of the line are multiple paper cats and frogs, and a heart with the text “we don’t need to be palatable, we need to be loud” written on it in blue marker. A poster-sized piece of paper in the middle of the line features the word “change” in big, bold letters. Blue text at the right side of the image reads “Summit Zine” while orange and white text at the left reads “Coming soon (like really soon).”

⚠️ Content note: discrimination

CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore recently spoke with ABC News about an all-too-common issue: discrimination against children with disability in early childhood education settings.

"Attending ... means children with disability are part of their community, are making social connections, that their families connected to the community as well," she said.

"Children continuing to be refused enrolment, or only enrolled in very limited hours, is setting them up for failure very early on in life.

"While initially families are made to feel welcome, when the rubber hits the road, it seems the support being provided is not meeting expectations of the parents or child."

In a 2022 CYDA survey of parents, one in five reported their child had been refused enrolment, while nearly a quarter were only allowed to attend for limited hours.

CYDA continues to call for a transformation of Australia’s education system.

We want children with disability to be given the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers from the very beginning, so they can .

Full article here: https://tinyurl.com/ywrv46xu

ID: A photo of a woman with long blonde hair in a black sweater holding her young son in her arms. The boy also has blonde hair and is wearing a multicoloured jumper and grey pajama pants covered with cartoon images of Spider-Man.

'It's constant torture': Heartbreak as 4yo excluded from kindergarten after epilepsy diagnosis The parents of a four-year-old boy are furious he was removed from his long-time early learning centre after being diagnosed with epilepsy. Advocates say it's not an isolated incident.

Are you a medium-large, Melbourne-based employer? Do you want to improve your practices while making quality jobs accessible for young people with disability? Then listen up!

This August, CYDA is partnering with Social Ventures Australia to run the sixth Employer Innovation Lab - an evidence-based program addressing workforce challenges by lifting barriers facing young people.

We’re looking for medium-large employers in Melbourne who can:

➡️ Commit to improving opportunities for young people with disability
➡️ Nominate a senior leader champion and 2-3 staff for 12 months
➡️ Attend a 2-day kick-off workshop in August.

Times are tough for many. As businesses struggle under tough economic conditions and skill shortages, young people with disability face discrimination and higher rates of under- or unemployment.

This Lab is the solution!

Find out more by dropping into one of our 30-minute virtual briefing sessions on Wednesday, 26 June at 12pm - 12:30pm OR 4pm - 4:30pm AEST.

These will cover how the Lab strengthens employers' talent pools, builds workplace accessibility, and creates business benefits in the short and long term.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc7r6yfx

If you can’t attend the info sessions or want to express your interest, contact us directly at [email protected]

[ID: A photo of a young brunette woman wearing a pink sweater in a packed office space. She is looking back over her shoulder while smiling. A notebook and coffee cup sit on the desk in front of her. Text below reads: “Information session: Employer Innovation Lab. Learn more about this evidence-based program for addressing workforce challenges by lifting barriers for young people with disability. Wednesday 26 June, 12pm – 12:30pm AEST / 4pm – 4:30pm AEST. Can’t attend? Contact us at [email protected].” The SVA and CYDA logos sit bottom right.]

Want to help develop accessible community toy libraries for children with disability and their families?

Toy Libraries Australia is looking for three passionate individuals to join their new Disability Program team!

Details here: https://www.toylibraries.org.au/recruitment

Toy Libraries Australia is Hiring! 🌈

We are thrilled to announce that we are recruiting for two exciting new projects! We currently have four new roles open:

🌟Disability Program Team: We're hiring three passionate individuals to join our new Disability Program team.

🌟Volunteering Program Officer: We're looking for someone to lead our volunteering initiatives.

Toy Libraries Australia is dedicated to supporting families and promoting the importance of play in early childhood development. We work with Toy Libraries around Australia to help provide children with access to a wide range of toys, fostering creativity, learning, and social connections within communities.

Check out our website for more information if you are interested in one of these exciting roles or please share with someone you think would be a great additional to a fun & passionate team. https://www.toylibraries.org.au/recruitment

"Growing up, I always believed that empowerment came from within the self. I was stuck in a mentality that I had to do everything alone. I have learnt so much from the disabled community over the past few years, especially the fact that empowerment comes from community. From the unconditional support and love we provide each other. And while the journey to becoming empowered is a long road, you don’t have to do it alone."

Ezra Burnett reflects on their time on CYDA Youth Council, Summit 2024, and what they've learned about empowerment and self-advocacy.

Check out the full article here: https://cyda.org.au/my-empowerment-journey/



ID: A photo of some of CYDA’s Youth Council in a well-lit room in front of a green, orange and white banner featuring the CYDA logo. Three people at the front of the group, including Ezra on the right, are sitting on colourful beanbags. Ezra and another young person are holding a cardboard cutout made to look like an Instagram post with the text “National Youth Disability Summit 2024.” The logo for The Platform sits top right.

My empowerment journey Empowerment was one of the topics we discussed at the 2024 National Youth Disability Summit. To be empowered means having the confidence, knowledge, ability, or resources to do things you want to do. It allows your world to open up and gives you the internal belief to self-advocate in your communiti...