WWDA Youth Network

⭐ WWDA Youth is... out of office! ⭐

The WWDA Office will be closed from December 22nd until it reopens on January 2nd...
WWDA Youth’s Development Officer will be back on the 8th of January!

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays!

“Of course, no disabled person expects a non-disabled peer to know exactly and immediately how to navigate their experiences — that would be like knowing all the ins-and-outs of a family as soon as you shake hands. Learning the ropes takes time. But if you make the effort, you’ll make your disabled guest feel like they’re eating the best bite of dessert.”

Read writer Kelly Dawson’s post for here about how to navigate your disability accommodations over the holiday season.

https://cupofjo.com/2023/12/13/five-disabled-folks-on-how-to-welcome-everyone-during-the-holidays/

[image: a table filled with food and drinks with people cheers-ing their drinks]

invite you to a special Town Hall briefing on the NDIS Review. Hear directly from NDIS Review panel members on the blueprint to build a better disability support system.
This event will feature:
Review Co-chair Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Lisa Paul AO PSM
Review members Kirsten Dean, Douglas Herd (Sydney only) and Stephen King (Melbourne only)
Closing remarks from the Hon. Bill Shorten MP Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Melbourne: 14th December 10am - 11:30am
Sydney: 18th December 12pm - 1:30pm
How to RSVP
Register for a free ticket online via Humanitix; Melbourne or Sydney (Brisbane TBA).
Accessibility options for the event are listed on the ticketing website.
Attendees both online and in person will have a chance to ask questions of the panel. Link in bio or here: https://bit.ly/3GFSXHt

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: An image of text that says "Town Hall briefing on the NDIS Review Melbourne 14th December 10am 11:30am AEDT Hear directly from NDIS Review panel members on the blueprint to build better disability support system and ask your questions of the panel. Sydney 18th December 12pm- 1.30pm AEDT There will be Auslan interpreters and closed captioning. NDIS Review Working together NDIS Brisbane Coming soon in 2024 In person or online"

On this final day of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence we recognise the importance of International Human Rights Day and everyone’s right to live free from violence.

We acknowledge the significant progress made, alongside the ongoing challenges faced, around the world towards eradicating gender-based violence. We believe that continuing to have much needed, and often difficult conversations, about gender-based violence can affect real change – at the individual, community and systemic level. There’s so much more work to do to end violence everywhere.

Our Site https://bit.ly/3RjS4td has lots of information that can help you have these conversations.

Have you seen the ten facts about violence on Our Site? https://bit.ly/3RjS4tdsafety-and-violence/myths-and-facts
follow this link for an Easy Read version
https://bit.ly/3NiwR1m




[image:At the top centre of a light pink tile are the words 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in black. In a rounded orange rectangle shape below this are the words, Day 16 is Human Rights Day! Everyone has a right to live free from violence. Underneath is a graphic illustration of two hands holding the earth up. On the bottom left corner is the Our Site logo in purple. On the bottom right corner is WWDA logo in purple.]

It’s day 15 of of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

Do you have a story, poem, song, artwork, spoken word piece or video that could help raise awareness about ending violence against women, girls, feminine identifying and gender diverse people?

We invite you to share your work with your community to help heal, recover and end violence everywhere.

Our Site welcomes submissions from women, girls, feminine identifying and gender diverse people with a disability – particularly those of non-white descent, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We equally value voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds, people with experiences of incarceration or institutionalisation, and LGBTIQA+ people with disability. We reserve space for these voices.

You don't need to be a great author or recognised artist – you just need to head over to Our Site https://bit.ly/3MB2943 and send us your pitch. You can send us text, image, video or audio files. Find out how to pitch your Real Stories on the Our Site website.



[image:At the top centre of a light pink tile are the words 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in black. In a large orange circle below this are the words, Day 15: Sharing our personal stories can inspire and support others in our community. Underneath this is a cartoon like illustration of the earth with two paper planes flying past it with a little liner of dots behind the planes. Around the earth are the words 'one world many stories' in purple and green text. On the bottom left corner is the Our Site logo in purple. On the bottom right corner is WWDA logo in purple.]

Today is Day 12 of the 16 days of Activism Against gender- based violence.

Today we want to talk about how disability inclusion practices and accessibility needs must be added to s*x education now.

Check out the following report into s*x education for young people for first hand accounts of how young folks with disabilities want s*x ed to be taught.

https://bit.ly/481pEef


[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
In an orange shape the text says Day 12: disability inclusion practices and accessibility needs must be added to s*x education now. Next to the text is an variety of illustrations s*x ed paraphernalia Including, diagrams of reproductive systems contraceptive devices and s*x toys. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Tuesday 5th of December was Day 11 of the 16 days of Activism against Gender based violence.We want to draw attention to the lack of data known about women with disabilities across Australia and the world.

Not having accurate sources and access to large pools of data concerning the rights and freedom of women with disabilities means that the prevalence of gender based violence cannot be accurately recorded, which causes great harm.

WWDA recommends that the Australian Government ensure that the Australian Disability Strategy (ADS) 2021-2031, develop specific, gendered, data collection measures to monitor and report on, the s*xual and reproductive rights violations experienced by people with disability, particularly women and girls with disability.



[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says Day 11: collection of Disability Data is crucial. Next to the text is illustrations of a survey and a disabled women being interviewed. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Monday the 4th of December was Day 10 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. We want to discuss how First Nations Women with disabilities are overrepresented when it comes to instances of violence abuse and neglect.

First Nations people with disability need to feel safe, secure and free from stigma or shame.The Disability Royal Commission found that First Nations people with disability are disproportionately affected by family violence, and also face greater barriers to support, services and justice. Research shows that First Nations women are particularly subjected to intimate partner violence, and are more likely to experience physical violence than First Nations men with disability or non-Indigenous women with disability.

In order to prevent further violence towards First Nations people with disabilities the concept of ‘cultural safety’ must be respected. Cultural safety. First Nations people with disability experience cultural safety when their identity as First Nations people is understood, respected and celebrated along with their experiences and needs as a person with disability.
At WWDA we strive to ensure that our cultural safety is provided to our First Nations members by following the guidance and policy provided by First Peoples Disability Network And Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices) Institute. [Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says Day 10: First Nations people with disability need to feel safe, secure and free from stigma or shame. Next to the text an illustrations of a young disabled First Nations person who is happy waving the aboriginal flag. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Yesterday Sunday December 3rd was international Day of People with Disabilities , to celebrate Rhiannon Halliing a project officer for WWDA made this handy little infographic about the history, theme and ongoing legacy of for her blog Enjoy ☺️
(Image description in comments)

Today is Day 9 of the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence
Today we are celebrating the idea that Young women with disabilities deserve to live fierce independent lives free from violence!
Today is also International day of People with Disabilities a day to focus on is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
• IDPwD is a chance to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community in Australia.
• IDPwD is an opportunity to make positive changes to the lives of 4.4 million Australians with disability..
• Get involved in IDPwD 2023 at bit.ly/46CJfA9
• Let’s all take action this December, and all year round, to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community in Australia.
Stay tuned for more posts exploring the value of IDWPD for young people with disabilities this week.
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[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 9: that Young women with disabilities deserve to live fierce independent lives free from violence! Next to the text are illustrations of groups of young disabled folks socialising and happy. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Saturday the 2nd of December was Day 8 of of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
We want to highlight the harms and violence towards women and girls when they experience practices that forcefully restrict their behaviours.

Restrictive practices are Any action, approach or intervention that has the effect of limiting the rights or freedom of movement of a person. Restrictive practices include physical restraints, chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, environmental restraints, and seclusion Any action, approach or intervention that has the effect of limiting the rights or freedom of movement of a person. Restrictive practices include physical restraints, chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, environmental restraints and seclusion.

Women with disabilities should not be fearful of people providing them care or observing their behaviour because they feel as they could be sedated or restrained without their consent which is painful and disrespectful.

[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 8: Restricted practices are reckless! Next to the text are illustrations of an person restraining someone with a no symbol through the centre. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].
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Thank you to everyone that made Peer Networking possible over the last three years. It has been an incredible journey and time to get to know everyone.

We hope you stay in contact with WWDA for more networking opportunities in the future. If you're not a member yet, sign up here: https://wwda.org.au/join-wwda



[Image: Dark purple background with a black image faded in the background of an illustration with a hand holding a phone connecting to different types of social media. Text at the top reads ‘Thank you for attending to everyone that made Peer Networking possible! We hope you enjoyed connecting with other disabled women and non-binary people. Stay in contact with WWDA for future networking opportunities: https://wwwda.org.au'. The LEAD logo is in the bottom right corner and text reads ‘LEAD, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, the illustration in the centre of the image is of five women with different disabilities representing different cultures.]

Today is Day 6 of of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Today we highlight the violence perpetrated within disability services.

Services, service providers, and carers can be perpetrators of violence.
The recent Disability Royal Commission found that: the NDIS Commission develop a capacity building program to support disability service providers to embed human rights in the design and delivery of their services. The program should be co-designed with people with disability, disability organisations and member led First Nations Community Controlled Organisations.

We need disability services to comprehend the human rights of their clients to prevent the levels of violence prevalent within disability services.

[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 6: disability services should prevent violence not perform it. Next To the shape are illustrations of a person holding up their hand in a stop symbol and an image of a hand sheltering two people huddles. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 5: Seg Next To the shape are IlIustrations of groups of individuals of differing backgrounds anddisabilities socialising Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Would you like to connect with more WWDA members? Join us TODAY!

We will be discussing all the achievements of the LEAD Project to date. If you have been a part of any aspect of LEAD, we would love to have you in this final session!

Click the link to register now: https://bit.ly/3NDggpI

Date: November 29
Time: 12-1.30pm AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom

Zoom captioning will be provided.



[Image: Dark purple background with a black image faded in the background of an illustration with a hand holding a phone connecting to different types of social media. Text at the top reads ‘WWDA LEAD Peer Networking, Join us for Peer Networking in TODAY! November 29, 12-1.30pm AEDT. The LEAD logo is in the bottom right corner and text reads ‘LEAD, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, the illustration to the left of the image is of three women with different disabilities representing different cultures.]

Today is Day 4 of of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Today we want to highlight the importance of disabled women and girls right to be empowered to express their right to s*xual and reproductive freedoms.

Women and girls with disabilities experience s*xual and reproductive violence across their lives in relation to menstruation and reproduction, s*xual identity and expression, intimate relationships, pregnancy, and parenting. This violence is a violation of human rights.

While all women experience a greater risk of s*xual violence than men, women and girls with disabilities also experience unique forms of s*xual violence. Sometimes, these forms of violence are not recognised as violence by the community or by the law.

This means that women and girls with disabilities do not have access to the same support, recognition, and outcomes as others.
So .

We hope that resources like WWDA’s Our site website and WWDA’s Sunny app can assist in recognising the resources and support needed for women and girls with disabilities to fully explore and be empowered to experience healthy s*xual relationships and safe reproductive health practises.

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[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, day 4: Day 4: Women with Disabilities must have the power to express their s*xual health and reproductive rights without fear of violence. Next To the shape are IlIustrations of a group of individuals of differing backgrounds and ability levels in underwear sitting together relaxing. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Peer Networking is happening TOMORROW!

Click the link to register now: https://bit.ly/3NDggpI

Date: November 29
Time: 12-1.30pm AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom

Zoom captioning will be provided.



[Image: Dark purple background with a black image faded in the background of an illustration with a hand holding a phone connecting to different types of social media. Text at the top reads ‘WWDA LEAD Peer Networking, Join us for Peer Networking in TOMORROW! November 29, 12-1.30pm AEDT. The LEAD logo is in the bottom right corner and text reads ‘LEAD, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, the illustration at the bottom of the image is of five women with different disabilities representing different cultures.]

Today is Day 3 of of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Today we highlight the experiences of women with disabilities who are denied the opportunity to make their own decisions about their bodies, their lives, and the things that are important to them.

Many women with disabilities are told that they can’t make their own decisions. Many have important decisions made for them by other people. But women with disabilities have a right to make their own choices, and to receive support if they need help to do so.

The laws that let people make decisions for women with disabilities are violent. They also let violence happen, and prevent women with disabilities from having their experiences recognised as violence. But .

The Australian Government must recognise that substituted decision-making enables violence against women with disabilities and violates human rights. The Australian Government must by abolishing laws and practices that deny women with disabilities their right to make their own choices.

The Australian Government must implement supported decision-making and other measures to support women with disabilities to make their own choices, and promote equality and autonomy.

[Image: Graphic with the heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 3: Women with Disabilities have the right to make their own decisions. Next To the shape are two illustrations, The first is a person with a thinking expression. Whilst the second illustration is a person in with their hands outstretched with a tick or cross above each hand. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Today is Day 2 of of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Women and girls with disabilities are at greater risk of violence than non-disabled women and girls.

We also experience unique forms of violence, and unique barriers to having our experiences recognised as violence.

This , we’re saying . We are drawing attention to violence against women and girls with disabilities and what the Australian Government needs to do to .

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Image: Graphic with heading 16 days of Activism against Gender based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day 2 Violence is Violence in any form. Next To the shape are two illustrations, The first is a hand holding a megaphone whilst the second is a group of disabled people rallying together Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Today marks the beginning of of Activism against Gender -Based Violence. This year’s theme is ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’.
We need the Australian Government to invest to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls with disabilities.
This , WWDA will be drawing attention to the Report and Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and the steps the Australian Government must take to against women and girls with disabilities.
WWDA is calling for:
• The establishment of Disability Rights act in accordance with the UN conventions on the rights people with disabilities.
• Better s safeguarding measures for women with disabilities who experience violence in residential settings, court proceedings and healthcare environments.
• More resourcing directed towards organisations groups in networks that respect fulfil and protect human rights of women and girls with disabilities.
• Better recording of statistics and other data around the prevalence of violence perpetrated against women girls with disabilities.


[Image: Graphic with heading 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. In an orange shape the text says, Day one: Unite! Invest to Prevent violence against women and girls. Next To the shape are two illustrations, The first is a group of young people hang out holding a protest sign whilst the second illustration is a person in wheelchair connecting with others using a laptop. Underneath this is a purple bubble, featuring the text . The WWDA logo is in the bottom right corner of the Image].

Have you been to our Peer Networking yet? If not, come along next week (the last one for the year!) and connect with other disabled women.

Click the link to register now: https://bit.ly/3NDggpI

Date: November 29
Time: 12-1.30pm AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom

Zoom captioning will be provided.



[Image: Dark purple background with a black image faded in the background of an illustration with a hand holding a phone connecting to different types of social media. Text at the top reads Do you want to connect with other disabled women?' The LEAD logo is in the bottom right corner and text reads ‘LEAD, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, the illustration to the right of the image is of two women with different disabilities representing different cultures. Text at the bottom reads ‘Join us for Peer Networking in one week! Last Wednesday of every month, 12-1.30 pm AEDT.]

Our friends at a holding a massive in person and online event in Sydney on the 6th of December!!!

Save the date for the Safer Girls Safer Women Big Meeting 2023, which follows on from our successful Symposium last year.
The event is free, live-streamed, and in person in Sydney.
The event is led by women and gender diverse people with disability, with speeches, discussions, performances, and Safer Girls Safer Women project updates. More details coming soon!
For free tickets, go to the Eventbrite registration link in our bio, or message us on Insta, or email
[email protected]
Ticket link is also on our homepage at SaferGirlsSaferWomen.com.au
We’d love to see you there :)

[Image: 1, Purple graphic saying ‘Get a ticket. Free 2023 safety Big Meeting! Wed 6 December. Sydney and Online.’]

Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination. 💗🤍🩵

On November 20, we hold a day of gathering, togetherness, and community solidarity. We remember those we’ve lost, celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, and commit to fighting transphobia to create a better, safer, and more inclusive world for everyone. 🏳️‍⚧️ [Image: a drawing of two hands, holding one another. Painted in the colours of the progress pride flag. The other is painted in the colours of the transgender flag. There is no LGB without the T is Written along the hands. Fluffy clouds sit in the background.] illustration by

The last Peer Networking event for the year is only two weeks away!

We will be discussing all the achievements of the LEAD Project to date. If you have been a part of any aspect of LEAD, we would love to have you in this final session!

Click the link to register now: https://bit.ly/3NDggpI

Date: November 29
Time: 12-1.30pm AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom

Zoom captioning will be provided.



[Image: Dark purple background with a black image faded in the background of an illustration with a hand holding a phone connecting to different types of social media. Text at the top reads ‘Do you want to connect with other disabled women?' The LEAD logo is in the bottom right corner and text reads ‘LEAD, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, the illustration in the centre of the image is of five women with different disabilities representing different cultures. Text at the bottom reads ‘Join us for Peer Networking in two weeks! Last Wednesday of every month, 12-1.30 pm AEDT.']

Join us TODAY for our peer networking evaluation event!
Click this link to register now: https://bit.ly/45GCiOO

Date: November 15th
Time: 1-2:00PM AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom
Live captioning will be provided.



[Image: Light purple background with dark purple and blue wavy lines in the top left of the image. To the right is a graphic of five diverse women, girls and non-binary people with disability and that is sitting in front of a dark blue circle. Text from the top reads “WWDA LEAD Peer Networking Evaluation Briefing Session, When Wednesday 15th November, Time 1 – 2:00PM AEDT, Where: online via zoom”]

Attention Victorian Icons!
VMIAC who leads the Navigating My Way is running 10x Co-design Groups for with people lived and/or living experience of psychosocial disability, mental ill health, or as a consumer of mental health services.

You will be paid $175 for attending.
The sessions will go for 2-hours, and have 5 people in them.
The groups will take place both online and in-person across Victoria, depending on the preference of attendees. They will take place between January and March 2024.

Follow the link below for more details.
https://bit.ly/3MJkrPX

[Image: A poster By VMIAC- by and for consumers. It Says the Navigating my way, Get paid for your lived experience. Below the text is an illustration of three people high fiving and happy, the two people in the outside are holding square tablets.

Advisory Group Easy read version of this content The 'Navigating My Way' Project will be guided by an Advisory Group comprised of 10 people. The Group will meet approximately once every 2 months on a day and time decided by the Group (online or in-person). Each Advisory Group meeting will be facilitated by the Nav...

On Monday 13th November at 6pm join AYCC, Tomorrow Movement and School Strike for Climate, to learn from Palestinian and Jewish young people in our climate & racial justice movement about solidarity with Palestine. This will be a space for young people to listen and learn, grounded in values of justice and respect.

Our incredible panel of speakers (swipe through to read all about them!) - Elsa, Moirra, Deen (and more TBA soon!) - will lead a conversation unpacking the context of the moment we're in, and exploring how climate justice is connected to the movement for a Free Palestine and against settler-colonialism.

RSVP using the link below to receive the zoom to join.

Solidarity with Palestine Youth Webinar Join this webinar to learn from Palestinian and Jewish young people in our climate & racial justice movement about solidarity with Palestine. This will be a conversation unpacking the context of the moment we're in, and exploring how climate justice is connected to the movement for a Free Palestine....