Powerd Media

Text reading: NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister answers your questions. And a photo of Jenny McAllister a smiling woman with short hair in a red jacket and black shirt.

Text reading: “The new (assessment) process is essentially built around a questionnaire that’s…more focused on people's capacities, and less dependent on the ability of the individual participant to obtain medical reports or advice.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a photo of Jenny McAllister smiling and talking with two unnamed people.

Text reading: “Disability advocates have spoken to me about the volume of change taking place in the system and the need to make sure that is staged…We’re initiating work to improve the quality of services that are offered ... to participants.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a a photo of Jenny McAllister smiling and talking to a man in a gym.

Text reading: “Children who are already on the scheme will continue to be on the scheme, subject to the usual eligibility reassessment.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a a photo of Jenny McAllister wearing a black suit.

To answer the community’s questions and concerns, Powerd Media sat down with Minister McAllister to discuss all things NDIS support assessments, Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids.

Read more: https://loom.ly/a4F1_X4


#NDIS #ThrivingKids #ICAN #FoundationalSupports

Text reading: Some attitudes have not shifted as fast as our technology has. And a photo of Dinesh in a blue suit in his wheelchair on a stage.

Text reading: In 2025, it is encouraging to see the number of doctors with disabilities growing in Australia. After all, with one and six Australians experiencing disability, it’s important for the profession to reflect the community that it serves. Dinesh Palipana. And a photo of Dinesh in blue medical scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck.

Text reading: When I started back as a medical student, then with a spinal cord injury, even I wondered how the patients would see me. This fear was reflected back to me by some supervisors, one who said, "I don't think the patients would take you seriously". Dinesh Palipana. And a photo of Dinesh in a white shirt and a black jacket.

Black text on a blue background: What has been interesting for me, is that over a career that is approaching nearly ten years now, not one patient has made a fuss about the spinal cord injury, at least not to my face. Perhaps the attitudes of our society has surpassed those of our institutions and professions. Dinesh Palipana

"I don't think the patients would take you seriously" - What supervisors told Dr Dinesh Palipana.

Read more: https://loom.ly/0z78ROs

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disabilty #Doctor #DisabledDoctor

Text reading: Parliament passes bill for Independent Centre for Disease Control. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: “This legislation puts in place an enduring public health institution for Australia. Its advice will be grounded in evidence, published openly, and focused on keeping Australians safe and well.” Minister of Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and blue tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: “Looking back at the last pandemic, too many disabled people were left at the mercy of government decision-making. We hoped decision-makers wouldn’t forget the disability community, or worse, leave us to die.” Greens spokesperson for Health and Disability Rights, Jordon Steele-John. And a smiling photo of Senator Jordon Steele John outdoors on a cobblestone path.

White text on a dark blue background: “The Greens amendments have strengthened this bill to ensure the CDC is grounded in equity, science and lived experience. We’ve made sure that workers, disabled people and communities are part of shaping how Australia prevents and responds to future health crises.” Senator Jordon Steele-John.

Australians with disability could soon have safeguards put in place to protect against future health epidemics, following the government’s passing of legislation to establish an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Parliament.

Read more: https://loom.ly/91N_Xo8

#CDC #AusPol

Text reading: Almost half of Australian renters with disability were found to have struggled to put food on the table over the past 12 months. And a photo of Kylea Tink in front of food shelving.

Text reading: “The food for my diabetes…is so expensive that I can't even afford to buy what I need…I'm going into hypers because the price of everything.” Jai Haines, First Nations man with disability. And a photo of Jai Haines, a First Nations man wearing a beanie and hoodie.

Text reading: “Rental properties are scarce in our area for people with disability…many live in boarding houses which charge up to 75% of the disability support pension for accommodation and bills.” Karl Quast, Bendigo Community Health Services. And a photo of Karl Quast, a white man in a grey shirt standing in a library.

Black text on a tan-orange background reading: “Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate. Australians are doing everything right: working, budgeting, seeking help - yet still going hungry. This is a failure of policy, not people. We need coordinated, national action now.” Kylea Tink, Foodbank CEO.

As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, almost half of Australian renters with disability were found to have struggled to put food on the table over the past 12 months, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2025.

Read more: https://loom.ly/MbO9Drk

#FoodInsecurity #FoodBank #FoodBankHungerReport

Text reading: Advocates warn upcoming social media ban will do more harm than good for young people with disability. And a photo of Realle Northe standing by a tv screen. She is wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and smiling at the camera.

Text reading: "This is really a social media delay for those between the ages of 13 and 17.” E-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. And photo of Julie Inman Grant, a smiling white woman in a blue jacket.

Text reading: Realle Northe is a young person living with Charcot Marie Tooth Disorder, a genetic condition which affects the nervous system. The 17-year-old says access to social media platforms enables them to stay connected and be a part of conversations even when they are unable to meet people face to face. And a photo of Realle Northe standing outside a shop.

Black text on a pink background: A reported 70% of young people with disability declared it is easier to be themselves online compared to 59% of youth without disability, according to the New Playground publication by the E-Safety Commissioner in 2023.

Many young Australians with disability will soon lose access to their social media accounts as the Labor Government’s social media ban comes into effect next month.

Read more: https://loom.ly/q16S5tQ

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#SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #AusPol

Friday 31st October 2025 Weekly wrap of news from Powerd for the week ending Friday 31st October 2025

News Wrap for Friday 31st October 2025, featuring the history of horror films and disability, and the problem with the charity model of disability used by many autism charities.

Read more: https://loom.ly/ZUZPFY8

Text reading: How My Dog Wally Helps Me Navigate Life With Chronic Illness and an photo of a woman smiling while taking a selfie outdoors with her small blonde dog wearing a large red-and-white bow tie, both sitting on a quiet suburban street under a bright blue sky.

Text reading: Now with my rheumatoid arthritis in full swing and my health unpredictable, Wally's companionship means more to me than ever. We spend a lot of time at home. Having Wally here helps my mental and physical health. And a photo of a small blonde dog using wheels smiles on a red carpet at a Pound Paws event, wearing a mint green bow tie and black outfit with colourful hearts.

Text reading: Wally may be a disabled dog with extra needs, but really, all he needs is me by his side. That's the gift pets give people with chronic illness, especially those of us who live alone or don't have a support system. And a photo of a small blonde dog using wheels walks confidently on a runway wearing a blue bow tie and a patterned outfit, looking ahead with a happy expression.

Text reading: If I didn't have Wally, my mental health would be in a very dark place. When my body stops me from doing the things I want, he reminds me that sometimes doing nothing and simply resting together is perfectly okay. And a photo of a woman in a purple top holds her small blonde dog by a lake, both smiling at the camera on an overcast day.

How My Dog Wally Helps Me Navigate Life With Chronic Illness.

Read more from Jodie about how Wally enriches her life: https://loom.ly/4Yy2_kI

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#ChronicIllness #Arthriits #Pet #Pets

Text reading: Accessible Curation. Tackling big questions about access and inclusion across the arts and cultural sector. And a photo of Bailee Lobb, a short haired person in a blue dress. (Photo by Sarah Jamieson

Text reading: What do you think are kind of the main differences between being the artist creating accessible work versus being a curator shaping accessible exhibitions? And a photo of Amanda Cachia, a person wearing bright red lipstick and smiling at the camera.

Text reading: You know, we all come with our own experiences, which informs our practice. And I think it's important to realize that as curators as well, we are impacted by our own biases and understanding of the world around us. And a photo of podcast host Bedelia Lowrenčev (photo by Mansoor Noor).

Watch, listen to or read the Accessible Arts Access Ideas and Insights podcast!

Check it out now: https://loom.ly/1n-5NyU

#AccessiblePodcast #Podcast #AccessIdeasAndInsights #Disability #Arts #AccessibleArts

The words News Wrap in black text on a green background. There is also a laptop, bullhorn, hands, microphones and other documents in the background of the image.

News Wrap for Friday 24th October 2025, featuring TikTok removing problematic videos, a possible Human Rights Act for NSW, and research on educational needs of children with a disability.

Read more: https://loom.ly/RnlEz6M

Text reading: What does the future of disability storytelling look like? Why should we be telling our stories now? Why should we be telling them to people outside our communities? And a photo of Bedelia Lowrenčev, a person with long wavy brown hair and hazel eyes smiles at the camera. They are wearing a sheer green long-sleeve top. Their head tilts slightly as their hand rests against her neck. The background is softly blurred, bringing the focus to their face.

Text reading: There’s an importance for continuing to push our presence within the arts is because it has real world consequences. It does inform policy. It informs just our livelihoods, not just our artistic pursuits. And a photo of Bria McCarthy who sits in a dark room beside an overhead projector. Her head is tilted upward, as if looking toward the projection. On the projector’s glass surface, Bria’s hands hold down a hand-drawn slide. The bright light from the projector partially illuminates her face and arms, while the rest of the scene remains in shadow.

Text reading: How do we push taboo without sensationalising it? Like who are these taboos for and ultimately are we sharing it for community to feel seen or are we sharing it for non-disabled audiences as an education point? And a photo of Christopher Bryant, a white man with blonde hair, stands against a dark wall, looking directly at the camera with a calm, relaxed expression. He wears a sheer black mesh top that reveals tattoos across his chest and arms, featuring birds, skulls, and various symbols. The lighting is low, focusing solely on him and accentuating the textures of his skin and clothing.

Text on an orange background: Intersectionality; how do we think narratives can engage with, gender, race and queerness? I find it hard to kind of separate all of these things, especially in 2025, when all of our issues seem to be big, giant arrows pointing in the same direction.

Watch, listen to or read the latest Accessible Arts accessible podcast episode exploring The Future of Disability Storytelling.

Check it out at https://loom.ly/9OKmM0Y or on check it out on Powerd Media: https://loom.ly/FPt5xdA

#AccessiblePodcast #Podcast #AccessIdeasAndInsights #Disability

Text reading: When it comes to genetic illnesses there are no rules of who will be affected, how they’ll be affected or even when. And a photo of Dean smiling seated outside and is wearing a striped polo shirt.

Text reading: The first element to treating a genetic illness is managing pain. Pain can be a debilitating condition that if not controlled destroys lives. Pain is often ignored by health professionals mainly due to it’s subjective nature. And a photo of Dean smiling by a small body of water.

Text reading: If you can intervene before a condition degenerates, you can in theory prevent permanent disability or at the very less mitigate the fallout by breaking the cycle. Without putting in place a holistic approach that addresses both these aspects, it’s not uncommon for a person’s condition to spiral out of control. In my opinion, Australia’s medical system often fails to address either element in a satisfying manner.

Black text on an orange background: While genetic conditions can be extremely complicated to treat, a lot of the failure I see with the medical community is not due to inexperience but an unwillingness to look after complicated patients. Problems exist partially due to an overburdened and hollowed out system that leaves a lot of people like myself in a terrible position.

The lack of understanding/ awareness of connective tissue disorders in the medical community.

Content Note: mention of suicide in the full article.

Read more: https://loom.ly/Kxc5VmI

#Disability #Genetics #ConnectiveTissue

Text reading: People with disability living in New South Wales could soon have their rights enshrined in a state based Human Rights Act. And a photo of Jenny Leong in bright flowery top and smiling at the camera.

Text reading: On Thursday, the Member for Newtown Greens MP, Jenny Leong, will introduce a private member’s Human Rights Bill, which is based on successful implementations of similar legislations in other states including the ACT, Queensland and Victoria. And a close up photo of Jenny Leong in a pink shirt and blue jacket.

Text reading “We need a human rights approach that ensures people with disability are not forgotten or left behind when we talk about human rights. An Act under which we are equal and fully protected is the right way forward for our community.” Megan Spindler-Smith. A photo of former President of People With A Disability Australia Trinity Ford and Deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith.

White text on a green background: “Amnesty’s polling has shown that 75% of people support protecting everyone’s human rights in law. We call on the NSW government to legislate a Human Rights Act so people in NSW can challenge human rights abuses, right wrongs, and create a fairer future for everyone.” Sarah Marland, Community Legal Centres NSW.

People with disability living in New South Wales could soon have their rights enshrined in a state based Human Rights Act.

Read more: https://loom.ly/m0TRo0Q

#Disability #HumanRights #AusPol #NSWPol

Text reading: Those within the disability community will be breathing a sigh of relief after social media giant TikTok agreed to calls to ban a disturbing hashtag trend gaining traction online. And a photo of a woman holding a guide dog in training.

Text on a green background reading: A representative of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT says that TikTok responded to their request, claiming in an email to have banned the hashtag #BlindKidChallenge and removed hundreds of videos they deemed to violate their policies.

Those within the disability community will be breathing a sigh of relief after social media giant TikTok agreed to calls to ban a disturbing hashtag trend gaining traction online.

Read more: https://loom.ly/F_fCnhg

#Disability #Inclusion #SocialMedia #Ableism

Text reading: Many people who are blind or have low vision are calling on social media giants to embrace stricter guidelines and protections against circulating harmful content in the wake of a new trend gaining popularity online. And a photo of Abi holding a phone and demonstrating accessibility features.

Text reading: The viral social media hashtags #BlindChallenge and #BlindKidChallenge prompts users without disability to imitate, or rather mock, members of the blind community in the name of entertainment, audience viewership and social media engagement, according to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. And a photo of a woman holding a guide dog in training.

Text reading: “Turning our experiences into a social media challenge completely misses the reality of what we can do, and the strength it takes to navigate the world without sight.” Blind Australian of the Year 2024, Courtney Webeck. And a photo of smartphones.

Black text on a peach background ““There is a need to be able to support the eSafety Commissioner in being able to hold platforms accountable when it comes to this kind of discriminative behaviour.” “It’s so important that we start thinking about what we are doing online and how we create a community that is respectful, inclusive, and kind.”

Many people who are blind or have low vision are calling on social media giants to embrace stricter guidelines and protections against circulating harmful content in the wake of a new trend gaining popularity online.

Read more: https://loom.ly/rEFXPTM

#Disability #SocialMedia #Ableism

Text reading: For artist and writer Noora Remi, migrating with retinitis pigmentosa meant redefining what it means to see, belong, and create. And a photo of Noora and a guide dog.

Text reading: My name is Noora Remi, and I live with a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes constant vision loss over time. In my language, Noora means light. The one thing I need but cannot have. And a photo of Noor at an art exhibition.

Text reading: Starting anew, far away from the place I once called home, is a formidable task. Adding the heavy weight of navigating a world that is not designed for disability makes this task seem almost impossible. And a photo of Noora is a dark shadow on the beach holding a cane.

Black text on a blue background: The stigma that surrounds people with disability, the unlawful denial of my guide dog in some cabs and some restaurants, cause me much distress as I try to navigate a world catered for the sited, yet being in Australia I learned so much about advocacy and systems that have been put in place to support people with all forms of disability, the likes which I have not seen elsewhere.

For artist and writer Noora Remi, migrating with retinitis pigmentosa meant redefining what it means to see, belong, and create.

Read more of Noora’s lyrical post on art, disability, being a refugee, and Australia: https://loom.ly/RjBb--U

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Refugee #Art

Text reading: In October of 2020, Colombian national Sahily Carrero experienced a work-related accident, losing her right arm. Now a wellness coach based in Queensland, she provides advice to those facing similar situations through social media. And a photo of Sahily Carrero in jeans and a white shirt with a black prosthetic attachment.

Text reading “I was in my bed all the time. I couldn't eat by myself. I wasn't thinking in that moment social media,” she says. The wellness coach believes every individual is fighting an internal battle within themselves, whether they realise it or not. And a photo of Sahily by the Brisbane River.

Text reading: A soccer player since the age of 8, the Colombian national explains how the sport has helped her maintain her sense of self. “I really connect all my life with soccer because it's just go and enjoy and forget everything.” And a photo of Sahily in green soccer gear on a soccer field.

Text reading: The wellness coach says people may make assumptions about what she can and can’t do, but she’s more focused on improving herself and helping others achieve their goals. And a photo of Sahily playing soccer.

In October of 2020, Colombian national Sahily Carrero experienced a work-related accident, losing her right arm. Now a wellness coach based in Queensland, she provides advice to those facing similar situations.

Read more: https://loom.ly/uau09gQ

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion

Need something to watch while YouTube is down? Check out Powerd Media's range of high production video stories - by and for people with a disability:

https://loom.ly/0WrTAH4

Text reading: Many in the disability community will be sad to hear that People with Disability Australia (PWDA) President, Trinity Ford, is stepping down from the role. And a photo of Trinity Ford in a green shirt with red hair.

Text reading: During her tenure as President of People with Disability Australia, Ms Ford served as the organisation's public face before media, members and stakeholders, lobbying for the full realisation of disability rights at Federal and NSW Parliament, the United Nations and with foreign visiting delegations to Australia. And a photo of President of People With A Disability Australia Trinity Ford and Deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith.

Text reading: As for Ms Ford, she offered a final call to action for the disability community to heed. “We’re only as strong as we are united on what matters: the fight for our collective liberation.” And a photo of Trinity Ford in a green shirt with red hair.

Many in the disability community will be sad to hear that People with Disability Australia (PWDA) President, Trinity Ford, is stepping down from the role following this morning’s announcement of her resignation.

Read more: https://loom.ly/L8to4yo

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Advoacy

Text reading: A new disability employment opportunity for those living in the ACT is approaching, with a disability focused hotel soon to open its doors in Canberra, following the success of its sister hotel. And a photo of a Hotel Etico staff member in the kitchen.

Text reading: “ It was very good. It's fun. We’re always working together. I have a support worker as well…when I do housekeeping, they always come with me. I love doing my job. It’s the best." Hotel Etico Australia trainee, JP. And a photo of Hotel Etico staff members preparing dishes in the kitchen.

Text reading: Hotel Etico Australia CEO and founder, Andrea Comastri, explains that the concept for the business originated in Italy a decade ago after a young man with Down syndrome asked a chef for a job, sharing his dream of wanting to work in a hotel. “ The chef gave him a chance and got together with other people to pursue this dream.” And a photo of a Hotel Etico staff member with a drink behind a bar.

Text on a dark blue background: According to Mr Comastri, participants in the program live on site for three days a week for a period of 12 months. "Paid full award wages in the kitchen, restaurant, bar, housekeeping and reception…but they also learn about living independently. The model is quite innovative."

A new disability employment opportunity for those living in the ACT is approaching, with a disability focused hotel soon to open its doors in Canberra, following the success of its sister hotel.

Read more: https://loom.ly/-B46PWQ

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Employment

Text reading: Powerd Media sat down with Jordon Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera.

Text reading: In 2017, Mr Steele-John became the youngest Senator in the history of Australian politics as well as the first person with a physical disability to be elected at the ripe age of 23. As a result of his position, Parliament House was renovated to include a fully accessible office for Mr Steele-John and a wheelchair accessible space within the Parliamentary Chamber. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera.

Text reading: The Senator argues that climate change is a specific threat to the disability community. “We will all continue to live through climate…in a context where our emergency service systems so often let us down, so often think of us last and therefore put us at higher risk.” And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt smiling at the camera.

Text on a grey background reading: He went on to claim that the Australian government needs to improve the collaboration process with the disability community, specifically regarding the NDIS and the Thriving Kids initiative. “There should be services and supports that are in place beyond the NDIS, but they must actually meet community need rather than political expediency.”

Powerd Media sat down with Jordan Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change.

Read more: https://loom.ly/nTSeN3c

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #AusPol

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 10th October 2025 by Disability Rights & Political Reporter Emma Myers.

Catch up on this weeks news: powerd.media/news/news-wr...

Text reading: Travellers with disability often face a broad range of systemic barriers when it comes to navigating the aviation industry, which is why the Australian government is currently in the process of co-designing eleven initiatives outlined in the Aviation White Paper, and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and red jacket.

Text reading: “This has already seen airports and airlines try to work out what they can do to lift their game, which is a good thing,” she says. The Minister referred to a trial where once a traveller with disability arrives at the airport terminal, there are coordinators who will take them through their entire journey. and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white hard hat and an orange high visibility jacket.

Text reading: As for the new Western Sydney Airport, Minister King explains the design was built in compliance with existing standards, but also “stretched as best as they can.” “It's not often you get to do an airport from scratch and that's what we've done,” she says, and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and red jacket.

Text reading: “Disability has been very much part of the Western Sydney Airport author's brief to actually make sure we do improve things for people with disabilities.” and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and black jacket.

Transport Minister provides update on Aviation sector for travellers with disability.

Powerd Media spoke with Minister for Transport, Catherine King about this issue: https://loom.ly/uU1_l84

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Transport #AirTravel #Planes

Literacy Legends - Rick &Dolly: A mission to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Tasmania

https://loom.ly/xn2raa0

ID: Banner for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - the name with colourful steam train drawing, Dolly at right in glasses, holding a book.

Text reading: It felt right to be less polite and grateful, less palatable. Jasper shares a story of disability palatability while exploring power, community, and entitlement. And an image of Jasper Peach in a denim jacket with a red, black, and white scarf around their neck.

Text reading: “In many ways we were a palatable example of disability. Ambulatory, verbal, white.” Deep in conversation with another white coated human who seemed curious and interested, I was mid-sentence when he turned his back on me. A more profitable conversation opportunity had appeared at his elbow. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a green shirt with pink short hair.

Text reading: There’s a lot in this, about trauma and community, solidarity and challenges, but the palatability aspect is what sticks out most for me. How in order to be heard, disabled people are usually expected to capitulate to the methods and access standards of our oppressors. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a yellow shirt and black jacket with pink short hair.

Disability ≠ Palatability.

@jasperpeachsays.bsky.social shares a story of disability palatability while exploring power, community, and entitlement.

Here are some select quotes from the article.

Read more: powerd.media/article/disa...

#Disability #Identity #Palatability #Power #Community

Text reading: Children and Young People with Disability Australia voices community concerns revealed in Thriving Kids survey. Over 1500 families of children and young people with disability have responded to a nationwide survey conducted by Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), who sought feedback from the disability community after NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced the Thriving Kids initiative, back in August. And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

Text on a light brown background reading: Only 4% of survey respondents felt the rollout of Thriving Kids could be completed sufficiently.

Text on a light brown background reading: Three in four young people, parents and caregivers reported being worried, while one in two were scared or confused by the initiative.

Text reading: “Families and young people are really concerned about a lack of choice and control and individualized supports. We know that one size fits all never works, and so no matter what is delivered through Thriving Kids, it's really important that those individual needs can be met.” And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

Children and Young People with Disability Australia voices community concerns revealed in Thriving Kids survey.

Read more: powerd.media/news/childre...

Warning: The full story on the Powerd website contains discussion of suicide.

#NDIS #ThrivingKids #AusPol #FoundationalSupports

Text reading: For many families in Australia, access to appropriate childcare for children with profound disability is virtually impossible, but a new pilot program launching this month is looking to close the gap. It is called the RippleAbility Respite Program, an initiative run by the RippleAbility paediatric service. The RippleAbility Respite Program is proposed to provide tailored care for children with complex needs, while also offering some much-needed support for their siblings and carers. And an image of Barbara Goodwin, a white woman smiling down at her child, she is wearing a white shirt.

Text reading: “I found the transition to school harder because he had never been out of care outside of home, and I think he missed out on that at the start. For us it was a decision where we said we wouldn't have gone anyway just because we were still finding our feet and things were very uncertain.” And an image of Barbara Goodwin, a white woman smiling down at her child, she is wearing a white shirt.

Text on a light pink background that says: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 567,000 children under five live with severe or profound disability, while the Department of Education reports that the average Australian family uses around 28 hours of subsidised childcare each week, yet no existing service is equipped to support their complex needs. RippleAbility argue that parents and caregivers occupying full-time caregiving roles receive little to no relief, often at the cost of their own wellbeing and identity.

Text reading: Ms Olaithe argues that although there are companies who are providing respite or providing care, there are limited places that are readily equipped for children with profound disabilities. “The kids that we're particularly interested in supporting need a high amount of medical care. particularly in that zero to five age range. There are just no childcare [places] that are suitable.” And an image of Michelle Olaithe, a smiling white woman who is wearing a white shirt and grey trousers.

For many families in Australia, access to appropriate childcare for children with profound disability is virtually impossible, but a new pilot program launching this month is looking to close the gap.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/new-chi...

#Childcare #Disabilty #Accessibility #Inclusion

The words News Wrap in black text on a green background.

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 3rd October 2025, featuring feedback on disability education standards, AI use in audio description, and calls for complex mental health to be categorised as a disability.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/news-wr...

Text reading: Students with disability could see an improvement to their overall educational journey, as the Australian Government begins its review into the Disability Standards for Education. To make sure the Australian education sector is supporting students with disability, the federal government is requesting feedback from the disability community. And a photo of Kathy Cologon a white woman with dark shoulder length hair.

Text reading: Caitlin Syer, who has an intellectual disability and is autistic , says she felt “ very segregated” during her high school years, where she was enrolled in segregated education. “I’d gone to a mainstream primary school and then was told I probably would be better suited for a disability school… I felt like I was railroaded.” And a photo of Caitlin Syer in a pink hoodie and hugging a small dog.

Text reading: Ms Syer believes segregated education is partially responsible for how people treat those with disability outside of the education system. “When you come out of the school system, people do not know how to talk to you or be around you because they have been separated from people with disabilities their whole life.” And a photo of Caitlin Syer smiling at the camera in a black sleeveless shirt.

Text reading: “My big hope is that we can have a bit more of an understanding of the need to move away from the idea that education for those of us who are disabled is optional or other to the core business of education.” And a photo of Kathy Cologon a white woman with dark shoulder length hair.

Students with disability could see an improvement to their overall educational journey, as the Australian Government begins its review into the Disability Standards for Education.

Read more: powerd.media/news/governm...

#Education #Disabilty #Accessibility #Inclusion

Text reading: In the music industry, equity, diversity, and inclusion are words we hear often, but they're not always reflected in action. I’ve seen countless organisations celebrating diversity that list gender, race, sexuality, and cultural background but continue to leave out disability entirely. This isn’t an oversight. It’s a pattern, and it’s contributing to our erasure in the industry. And a photo of Charlie, singing at a performance. She is wearing red lipstick and a white denim jacket.

Text reading: “This is the reality disabled artists face: speaking up often means being silenced, dismissed, or harassed. We are often told our inclusion can wait until later in diversity conversations that claim to be inclusive, and when the conversation is about us, it’s rarely with us.” The message right now is very clear: our participation is welcome only if it’s comfortable for others. And a photo of Charlie who has the wind in her hair covering her face, the beach and blue sky are in the background.

Text reading: Because my disabilities aren’t always obvious, many artists, venues, and industry workers often can’t see them. Assumptions get made about what I can do physically and mentally, which leads to a constant need to explain myself. While education is important with disability, often what I encounter is lack of care, layered with ableism. I’ve been in the music industry for thirteen years now navigating these barriers. As well as having a disability, I’m also a queer woman. Intersectionality adds extra layers of discrimination. And a photo of Charlie, this photo is a red, Charlie is laughing with head tilted backward

Black text on a light pink background reading: Equity means acknowledging that disability is not a separate issue. People with disabilities exist within all marginalised groups; we are women, First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, people of colour, and gender diverse. Accessibility must be non-negotiable. If representation matters, then disabled artists and industry workers must be visible as an essential and fundamental part of the industry.

Disability Isn’t Optional - Representation and Access in the Music Industry.

In the music industry, equity, diversity, and inclusion are words we hear often, but they're not always reflected in action.

Read more: powerd.media/article/disa...

#Music #Disabilty #Accessibility

Text on a grey background that reads: Many within the complex mental health community are calling for their conditions to be recognised as legitimate disability. Heidi Everett argues that complex mental health should be considered a disability because the conditions arise from developmental issues, coping mechanisms and social determinants relating to ableist attitudes. And an image of Heidi Everett sitting on a wooden stool in a laneway.

Text that reads: According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, mental health conditions can be both a cause and an effect of disability, and often involve activity limitations and participation restrictions beyond communication, mobility and self-care. James Harkness lives with schizoaffective disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. And an image of James Harkness, in a dark suit with his arms folded across his chest.

Text that reads: Mr Harkness explains what a psychotic episode feels like: “I can't concentrate on anything because I experience delusional thoughts. I get what's called ideas of reference, which is where I'll read a newspaper or watch something on TV or listen to the radio and think there's secret messages for me.” However, Mr Harkness clarifies that although he knows his condition can make some people feel uncomfortable and unsafe, he says he is more likely to hurt himself. And an image of James Harkness, in a blue suit jacket with a green jumper.

Text on a grey background that reads: An estimated 880,000 Australians over 18 years of age are living with complex mental illness in any year, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, along with many others, according to Sane Australia. Sane Australia’s peer-led Recovery Program Manager, Anu Dhingra, argues that it is important to recognise the intersectionality between different forms of disability and additional life circumstances. Mr Dhingra says Sane is dedicated to providing cohesive service and well rounded support to anyone who requires it.

Many within the complex mental health community are calling for their conditions to be recognised as legitimate disability, arguing they experience similar symptoms and discriminatory attitudes.

Read more: powerd.media/news/mental-...

#MentalHealth #ComplexMentalIllness #SaneAustralia