Powerd Media

Text reading: This Valentine’s Day, give that love to yourself. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a long black dress with a corset belt, and lacy sleeves, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick, seated in her wheelchair in Japan.

Text reading: We get conditioned to believe romantic love is the be all and end all. But . . . could you imagine if we were instead conditioned to give that love to ourselves? Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a long black dress with a corset belt, and lacy sleeves, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick on a beach in Japan.

Text reading: Loving yourself . . . well, I think that’s sadly one of the hardest things to do. Especially in this world. But loving yourself can be revolutionary. It can be healing. Eye-opening. And . . . devastating. Particularly to realise how long I carried the stories of other people about myself. Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, a white woman with pink hair and pink cardigan, holds up a clapperboard.

Text reading: I wish we taught self-love like we are taught other things. It can be so powerful. And even though I don’t think there will come a day when I don’t struggle, I’m doing better than I was. And when things are hard, I double down more on loving myself. Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a black dress, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick.

This Valentine’s Day, give that love to yourself.

CW: full post contains reference to death.

In popular culture, there is a lot of emphasis on finding love and “the one”—and we’re made to feel lesser, or not enough if we don’t have that...

Read more: https://loom.ly/hx2oJmA

Text reading: Disabled children aren’t burdens. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral shirt dress, and sea green undershirt.

Text reading: The public’s response to the Mosman Park suspected murder-suicide was shocking. Thousands of people empathised with the Clune boys’ parents, excusing their murders in public comments on news outlets’ and disability advocates’ social media posts. Parent bloggers wrote long posts about how hard it is to parent disabled children. Carly Findlay. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral dress, and light green undershirt.

Text reading: There’s no denying that parenting a disabled child is hard and that more support is needed - urgently. The system failed the Clune boys, and is failing so many disabled children and adults and their families. But these comments are saying the quiet part out loud. That disabled people are seen as a burden; that we are too much; and that we don’t deserve to live with dignity, safety and choice. Carly Findlay. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral dress, and light undershirt.

Text reading: The recent murder-suicide, and the comments justifying it, show that we’ve still got such a long way to go until disabled people are seen as worthy of living. This shouldn’t be a radical concept. And yet, it is, because of how the world sees us. Carly Findlay. And a close up photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral top and a purple jacket with a blue bird pin.

Disabled children aren’t burdens.

CW: this post contains reference to murder.

In the days following the Mosman Park suspected murder-suicide, the social media commentary told us that most people think disabled people are burdensome.

Read more: https://loom.ly/DOA6-Z8

Text reading: What we need from the next stage of Foundational Supports. And a photo of Kate Wood a person with medium length brown hair, holding a black dog.

Text reading: I have been rejected for the NDIS three times. My concern is that the NDIS does not understand mental illness. When applying you are asked to pick the “most impactful” illness. We are told to stop after three. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t just give you only three illnesses and stop. Kate Wood. And a photo of Kate Wood, a person with medium length brown hair, looking off to her left.

Black text on a purple background: An NDIS application also requires you to identify which diagnosis causes which symptoms, something that is impossible with complex mental illness. Illnesses exacerbate each other.

Text reading: If the new Foundational Supports program is to work then it must be built on a fundamental rethink of the way the NDIA understands what mental illnesses are, how these conditions are experienced by real people, and how multiple diagnoses interact with one another. Simply moving people that are not properly understood from Box A to Box B, where they will be handled by different people who still don’t understand their needs will be of little help. And a photo of Kate Wood, a person with medium length brown hair, looking off to her right.

What we need from the next stage of Foundational Supports.

I recently spent four weeks as a psychiatric inpatient, and much conversation between patients was about the NDIS and our difficulties in accessing it.

Read more: https://loom.ly/q7CtCDo

#MentalHealth #FoundationalSupports #NDIS

Text reading: Heywire winner calls for overhaul of bias in women’s healthcare. And a photo of Emily W, a young woman with soft red hair.

Black text on a light brown background: “I was diagnosed as a teenage girl and told that it was anxiety or IBS. There's a massive culture of brushing off women's pain instead of actually finding the cause and treating the problem.” Emily W, Heywire Winner

Text reading: “All over Australia, regional or metropolitan…there seems to be a lack of education and awareness, even with doctors who are fully aware of the condition. There's a massive bias and a massive stereotyping.” Emily W, Heywire Winner. And a photo of Emily W, a young woman with soft red hair.

Heywire winner calls for overhaul of bias in women’s healthcare.

Powerd sat down with one of this year’s winners to discuss the experiences young people with disability face in regional and remote areas.

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

Text reading: NDIS minister reveals plan for future foundational supports. Mark Butler, Minister for NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with greying hair wearing a dark suit jacket and dark grey tie.

Text reading: “There were…as many as 230,000 mainly adults living with severe and chronic mental illness not receiving any support either through the NDIS or other psycho-social programs run by the Commonwealth or state and territory governments.” Mark Butler, Minister for the NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: “(NDIS) Growth should be something like health inflation plus a measure for population growth and population ageing, which I quantified as five to six per cent.” Mark Butler, Minister for the NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking in Parliament.

Black text on a vibrant blue background: “Timelines must be readiness-based, not date-based.” Jenny Karavolos, Australian Autism Alliance. “These reforms are required in parallel so people with disability can access support outside the NDIS and avoid growing service gaps and inequity in different jurisdictions.” DRO Statement

NDIS minister reveals plan for future foundational supports.

The disability community has finally been given a glimpse of what Foundational Supports could look like beyond the government’s delivery of Thriving Kids.

Read more: https://loom.ly/wCeejg8

#ThrivingKids #FoundationalSupports #NDIS

Text reading: Government releases Thriving Kids Advisory Group report. And a photo of Professor Frank Oberklaid, an older white man in a dark suit jacket and dark tie.

Text reading: “The advisory group has reviewed the evidence for what constitutes best practice, broadly consulted on strategy with professionals across the whole range of disciplines, as well as families with lived experience.” Professor Frank Oberklaid. And a photo of Professor Frank Oberklaid, an older white man in a dark suit jacket and dark tie.

Text reading: “The advice of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group reinforces the opportunity we have as a nation to deliver better outcomes for children…Thriving Kids will empower and support families early in a child’s developmental journey with tailored supports in community settings.” Mark Butler, Minister for NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with greying hair wearing a dark suit jacket and dark grey tie.

Black text on a seafoam green background: The national rollout will now commence on 1 October 2026, with full implementation expected by 1 January 2028. “I am confident that the Thriving Kids model provides a sound framework for how best to support children and their families to achieve the best possible opportunities for children to thrive.” Professor Frank Oberklaid

Government releases Thriving Kids Advisory Group report.

Co-Chair of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group, Professor Frank Oberklaid AM, claims the process for developing the revised Thriving Kids model was very comprehensive.

Read more: https://loom.ly/cm7XwEc

#ThrivingKids #NDIS #Auspol

Image description: Ableism in disability organisations. And a photo of Laura Pettenuzzo smiling into the camera.

Black text on a watermelon background: You’re not supporting us if you ignore respectful feedback about access barriers. You’re not supporting us if your consultation process is restricted to people who can attend in person sessions, who don’t need breaks or Easy Read or any other adjustments. You’re not supporting us if you refuse to remunerate us for our expertise, adequately or at all.

Text reading: When it comes down to it, we’re not asking for much. Just respect and our basic human rights. Maybe one day we’ll have a more accessible and inclusive disability sector. Until then, I’ll keep writing and advocating. If you’re reading this, I hope you will too. And a photo of Laura Pettenuzzo smiling into the camera sitting outside in her wheelchair.

Ableism in disability organisations.

Some of the most ableist behaviour I’ve witnessed happened in disability organisations. Ableism of all kinds hurts. But I’ve found that it hurts more when it comes from the organisations that purportedly exist to support us.

Read more: https://loom.ly/FEZFJ30

Text reading: Government invests in expansion of motor neurone disease research. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket.

Text reading: “Motor neurone disease is one of the most harrowing conditions we face. It is progressive, fatal, and there is no known cure. We want to accelerate the development and delivery of effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for MND.” Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing. And an image of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: The network’s namesake, Neale Daniher AO, was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Honoured as 2025’s Australian of the Year, in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for MND research, Mr Daniher believes the funding commitment from the Albanese Government is a powerful step forward in eradicating the disease. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket. He is on an awards stage with the Prime Minster, Anthony Albanese, and a woman in a navy dress holding an award.

Text reading: “This investment isn’t for my benefit. It’s about laying the foundations, so others don’t have to go through what I have.” Neale Daniher AO. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket. He is on an awards stage with the Prime Minster, Anthony Albanese, and a woman in a navy dress holding an award.

Government invests in expansion of motor neurone disease research. People living with motor neurone disease could soon have broader access to clinical trials, following the government's decision to invest more than $40 million dollars into treating the condition.

Read more: https://loom.ly/75UgGN8

Text reading: Government looks to delay Thriving Kids. And an image of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: Thriving Kids was announced last August under the Foundational Supports umbrella as an alternative supportive system to the NDIS for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability, after the age limit to access NDIS was increased. And an image of Mark Butler in a white shirt and dark suit jacket.

Text reading: Sue Olney (University of Melbourne), told Powerd Media in 2024 that it was her understanding that Foundational Supports would be a mix of general and targeted assistance, aiming to meet the needs of people with disability who might not qualify for the NDIS. And an image of Sue Olney, a smiling woman with glasses and short grey hair.

Black text on a red background: Given there are 5.5 million people in Australia living with disability, only 751,400 people were reported to be benefiting from the NDIS as of September 2025, this has left many within the wider community with more questions than answers as to where their supports are and when they will be delivered.

Government looks to delay Thriving Kids.

Many in the Autistic community are likely feeling frustrated by the latest development in the Thriving Kids debacle as the Labour government looks at delaying rollout by three months.

Read more: https://loom.ly/uX84RFs

#NDIS #AusPol #FoundationalSupports

Text reading: Australia Day awards honours disability sector. And a photo of Eliza Hul, who is looking directly at the camera. Her hair is long and lightly curled, and she is wearing a black top.

White text on a light blue background: Advocates within the disability sector have been honoured as part of Australia Day celebrations. This year’s awards acknowledged the impact of the recipient’s passion and advocacy for the rights of people living with disability.

Text reading: New South Wales athlete Kelly Wren was presented with her AM for significant service to tennis, to basketball, and to athletes with an intellectual disability. And a photo of Kelly Wren, a smiling woman with long red hair wearing a green and grey tennis jacket.

Text reading: Mr Paul Marcus Crake (pictured), Mr Ernest William Drew, and Mr Anthony David Rice were presented with their OAMs for services to people with disability. And a photo of Paul Crake, a pale white man wearing a light blue polo shirt.

Advocates within the disability sector have been honoured as part of Australia Day celebrations across the country, with architects, sportspeople & health experts among those recognised for their contributions.

A huge congratulations to all honourees.

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

Text reading: UN review urges Australia to adopt Human Rights Act. And a photo of President Hugh de Kretser looking into the camera, he has grey hair, black glasses, and is wearing a light blue business shirt with a tan jacket.

Black text on a green background: “A Human Rights Act would require our national government to protect people’s rights. It would prevent human rights violations and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached.”Hugh de Kretser, Australian Human Rights Commission President

Text reading: “As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia should be leading the world on human rights.” Hugh de Kretser, Australian Human Rights Commission President. And a photo of President Hugh de Kretser looking into the camera, he has grey hair, black glasses, and is wearing a light blue business shirt with a tan jacket.

UN review urges Australia to adopt Human Rights Act.

Over 120 countries have made more than 350 recommendations, urging the Australian government to improve its protection of human rights.

Read more: https://loom.ly/9hpgdXo

Text reading: New Barbie courts criticism for its representation of Autism. And an image of the Barbie diversity doll line, with the Autism doll in the centre, a white doll to the left, and a doll representing people of colour to the right.

Text reading: “It felt like the point was missed instantly, and the value of that representation was immediately lost.” Dr Kristyn Sommer, Developmental Psychologist, vlogger and person with autism. And a photo of Dr Kristy Sommer, looking directly at the camera. They are wearing a black top and jeans and have long dark hair.

Text reading: “For many autistic people and autism families, that kind of thoughtful, visible inclusion has helped build understanding and reduce stigma.” Nicole Rogerson, Autism Awareness Australia CEO. And a photo of Nicole Rogerson a white woman with blonde hair in a black suit jacket and white shirt.

Text reading: "The criticism of Mattel and how they've rolled out this Barbie as well as all the disability Barbies prior to this, should not have outweighed the joy and the considerable win for the global autistic community.” Dr Kristyn Sommer, Developmental Psychologist, vlogger and person with autism. And an image of the Barbie diversity doll line, with the Autism doll in the centre, a white doll to the left, and a doll representing people of colour to the right. Other Barbies are partially visible in the background.

New Barbie courts criticism for its representation of Autism.

Many among the autistic community have been making their criticisms known online, following the recent release of a new doll depicting elements of the condition.

Read more: https://loom.ly/_L6BXd4

Text reading: Disability advocacy organisation calls for hate speech reform for all minorities. And a photo of Jeramy Hope, a smiling person in a white business shirt and a dark blue jacket.

Text reading: “ Vilification is part of everyday life for many in our community. It is abuse online. It is comments yelled from cars. It is the withholding of essential daily living supports. It is being spoken to with contempt or threatened in places that are meant to be safe." Jeremy Hope, PWDA President. And a photo of Jeramy Hope, a smiling person in a white business shirt and a dark blue jacket.

Text reading: “That's robbed us of the ability to deliver protection for people in the disabled community, the queer community, women. Everyone who could have been affected and is affected by hate speech and the actions that can flow from it.” Senator Larissa Waters. And a photo of Senator Larissa Waters, a smiling person with her hair tied up and wearing a blue shirt.

Text reading “The focus is very much on the aftermath of December 14th. It is on what was an antisemitic terrorist attack. On broader issues, what we intend to do is to have a process to look at other areas of hate speech. If the legislation is carried by the Parliament, that will be referred to a process going forward.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. And a photo of Anthony Albanese, a white man with grey hair in a dark blue suit.

Disability advocacy organisation calls for hate speech reform for all minorities.

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) President, Jeremy Hope, argues other minority groups also deserve to feel safe under improved, cohesive protective legislation.

Read more: https://loom.ly/usMn-lg

Media Request: E-Scooters Have e-scooters become an obstruction in your area? If so, how have you been impacted by e-scooter dumping? Do you think e-scooter companies do enough to ensure scooters are not an obstruction?

Media Request: E-Scooters

Have e-scooters become an obstruction in your area?

If so, how have you been impacted by e-scooter dumping?

Do you think e-scooter companies do enough to ensure scooters are not an obstruction?

Let us know what you think for an upcoming news story.

Text reading: It’s time to make beauty accessible. And a photo of Storm Menzies in a white shirt with long dark hair.

Text reading “Makeup can feel like armor. It can make me feel stronger, bolder and more confident. Which is why I think accessible beauty is so important—especially because it’s not a space non-disabled people expect us to be in, which, quite frankly, blows my mind.” Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe Simmons sitting in a wheelchair with two beauty brand staff next to her.

Text reading: “I want to make accessibility as simple as possible. I created an attachment for makeup to make it easier to hold. It universally attaches to anything round and cylindrical, adding more surface area to a product for better grip.” Storm Menzies. And a photo of Storm Menzies in a white shirt with long dark hair.

Text reading: “I don’t compete with beauty brands, and that means I get to collaborate with a lot of brands who want to be inclusive, but they’re scared of getting it wrong. As a collaborator, brands don’t have to change anything, and disabled people can use their products.” Storm Menzies. And a photo of a person with a prosthetic arm holding a device that makes holding lipstick easier.

It’s time to make beauty accessible.

And I’m not just talking about aesthetics here—although that’s an added bonus, too. I’m talking about the therapeutic benefits of beauty: and how it feels to look after yourself.

Read more: https://loom.ly/iJcw85E

Text reading: Australian Services Union urges government to take profit out of the NDIS. And a photo of Angus Mc Farland, a smiling person in a purple tie and a blue suit jacket.

Black text on a light blue background: The union’s NDIS spokesperson, Angus McFarland, claims the ASU has investigated 102 providers for underpaying workers and breaching the Fair Work Act.

Text reading: “When there is so much commentary about the sustainability of the NDIS, it’s time for a conversation about why we have providers with profit motives in the scheme at all.” Angus McFarland. And a photo of Angus Mc Farland, a smiling person in a purple tie and a blue suit jacket.

Australian Services Union urges government to take profit out of the NDIS.

Read more on powerd.media

Read more: https://loom.ly/1PqCQ1E

Text reading: Parenting with a chronic illness. And a photo of Lauren Ball, with bright pink hair holding a coffee cup.

Black text on a pink background: The life of every parent with primary school aged children becomes more intense around Term 4. In the homes where a parent is also managing a chronic condition, juggling these extra tasks, staying organised for the extra things, and keeping up with the routine life tasks, usually happen at the expense of the parents’ schedules.

Text reading: “Hockey game times are thankfully not too early in the morning, and the venue is indoor, which I appreciate as heat and humidity play a role in exacerbating my symptoms.” And a photo of Lauren with glasses and red hair.

Text reading: “They see me using notes and lists to compensate for my poor memory when I’m overwhelmed by fatigue and brain fog. Their morning and afternoon checklists are for me as much as they are for them.” And a photo of Lauren in front of a Doctor Who prop.

Parenting with a chronic illness.

Read more from Lauren at https://loom.ly/UmOizq0 in the last of our parenting mini series.

Media Request: Foundational Supports Do you think we’ll have Foundational Supports this time next year? What are your fears if we don’t have Foundational Supports by then? If you’d like to be interviewed on this topic, email powerd@cbaa.org.au

Media Request: Foundational Supports

Do you think we’ll have Foundational Supports this time next year?

What are your fears if we don’t have Foundational Supports by then?

If you’d like to be interviewed on this topic, email powerd@cbaa.org.au

Text reading: “New women’s healthcare clinic opening in Western Australia”. And an image of Rebecca White standing in parliament.

Text reading ““We are levelling the playing field for women and girls by investing in a modern, stronger Medicare that meets the needs of women at every age and stage.” Mark Butler, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium

Text reading: ““Too many women have spent years living with debilitating pain that is often dismissed or misunderstood. They deserve to have their concerns taken seriously with better access to specialised care no matter where they live.” Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Women. And an image of Rebecca White standing in parliament.

New women’s healthcare clinic opening in Western Australia

Women and girls in Western Australia could soon have access to specialist care for endometriosis and pelvic pain, with a new clinic opening in Joondalup next week.

Read more on powerd.media

Read more: https://loom.ly/V3tQWbU

Media Request: Foundational Supports Do you think we’ll have Foundational Supports this time next year? What are your fears if we don’t have Foundational Supports by then? If you’d like to be interviewed on this topic, email powerd@cbaa.org.au

Media Request: Foundational Supports

Do you think we’ll have Foundational Supports this time next year?

What are your fears if we don’t have Foundational Supports by then?

If you’d like to be interviewed on this topic, email powerd@cbaa.org.au

Text reading: “Love Rights rewrites sex and consent for people with disability” and a photo of Leanne Johnson, a smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a blue shirt and black jacket.

Text reading ““The project was created due to a gap in the industry, particularly in the area of domestic family and sexual violence where, there may be resources out there and support out there to help people become more aware but they weren't accessible to people with disability.” Psychotherapist, Patrick Rory-John. And a photo of Patrick Rory John, a psychotherapist, on a high balcony wearing a black top and necklace.

White text on a dark blue background: In 2022, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability found women with disability are twice as likely to experience sexual violence over one year compared to women without disability. In 2022, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability found women with disability are twice as likely to experience sexual violence over one year compared to women without disability.

Intimacy is a key part of the human experience but for many within disability community, the subject of desire, love and companionship has long been disregarded, leading some to experience domestic violence and coercion.

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

Text reading: Building a village. And a photo of Liel, smiling with a microphone in front of them. They are wearing a white shirt and black jacket.

Black text on an orange background: “Being disabled means I cannot always do the hosting, or go for big walks. I need to be careful with the energy I spend to prevent flare ups. I cannot always join in, and many interactions ‘cost’ me more in energy than some of my peers.”

Text reading: “There are friends who notice when I need to sit, friends who walk slowly with me, and friends who take my kid’s school bag when I can’t. There are my writing group friends who catch up after bedtime as I recline in a tracksuit, and my friend Natasha who recently suggested we hire a wheelchair – and by doing so, validated my access needs.”

Black text on an orange background: My village is not completed, it is constantly in construction ... we are always building it around my family’s needs, and we found people who are willing to do the same. The village is crucial – it is in the morning debrief after a rough night, it is in an after-school play, and in the weekend birthday party chats. Most of all, it is in the knowing that we’re not doing it alone.

I vividly remember a conversation with my husband a few years back –when we both felt like an island in a sea of communities we could not penetrate.

We decided to try and create our village.

Read more from Liel about creating a village: https://loom.ly/vN5LnC4

Text reading: Social media ban socially isolating teens with disability. And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

Black text on a purple background: Many young people with disability would now no doubt be feeling a range of emotions after losing access to their online profiles following the implementation of the Australian government’s under 16s social media ban, which came into effect last week.

Text reading: “I think the blanket ban has not considered marginalised groups who may rely on these platforms to help development their network of supports. My fear is that for children with disability, who already find it hard to connect, they are even more isolated through the social media ban.” Jennifer Crowther, mother of a 12 year old daughter with disability. And a photo of Jennifer Crowther, a woman with short red hair and rosy cheeks.

Text reading: “It is vital the government and social media platforms address these impacts before restrictions purportedly designed to improve social and mental wellbeing cause more harm.” Skye Kakoschke-Moore, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia. And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

Social media ban socially isolating teens with disability, following the implementation of the Australian government’s under 16s social media ban, which came into effect last week.

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

#SocailMedia #SocialMediaBan #MentalHealth

Text reading: Summer “Holidays”, and a photo of Jasper Peach in a denim jacket with a red, black, and white scarf around their neck.

Black text on a blue background: But what do you do when you’re disabled and you can’t quash what your body needs, even though you love your children? When the hellfire of the sun turns your connective tissue into little volcanoes and your general outlook is trying to remember the phrase “how put on pants?” or “oh my god the sun is rising again, I’m going to transform into a baked potato. Nooooooooooo!”

Text reading: Create a safe space to vent. Try to see it from multiple points of view. Bribes. Have some toolkits at the ready. Know your base needs and stick to them. Identify your strengths and celebrate them. Team up. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a green shirt with pink short hair. In the background are parts of the set of Unmasked, pink and sparkly and lots going on, many textures and comfy chairs.

Text reading: I’m thinking of you all, fellow disabled parents. May the odds be ever in your favour. And a photo of Jasper Peach in a denim jacket with a red, black, and white scarf around their neck.

Summer “Holidays”

It goes without saying that I adore my children, that raising them is a privilege impossible to quantify. AND, it’s really tricky to navigate as a disabled parent.

Read the full article: https://loom.ly/xlRtDMI

#Parenting #Disability #SchoolHolidays #HungerGames

Text reading: Cathay Airways partners with Wheelchairs For Kids Australia to support local charity. And a photo of a young Tanzanian girl in a blue, green, and orange wheelchair.

Text reading: “Through the Asia Miles program, we hope to create greater awareness to the plight of children in developing countries who cannot access a wheelchair. For just $300 we can change that and give these kids mobility, dignity and hope for a brighter future.” Greg Hebble, CEO of Wheelchairs For Kids Australia. And a photo of a boy in Malawi in a brown wheelchair, surrounded by other locals.

Text reading: “The team at Wheelchairs For Kids Australia does an incredible job of supplying wheelchairs to children in developing countries. It is an honour to be able to support them as a charity partner. As we head into the end of the year and a time of giving, we are asking our members to donate and help change the life of another child in need.” Frosty Lau, General Manager, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Cathy Pacific. And a photo of three girls in school uniforms, one in a Wheelchairs for Kids wheelchair.

Children with disability in developing countries could soon receive Australian made wheelchairs, thanks to a new partnership between an international airline and a Perth-based charity.

Read more: https://loom.ly/e8xTqB0

#Wheelchairs #Charity #WheelchairsForKids

Text reading: Computer generated NDIS plans threaten person centred approach. And a photo of Dr Van Toorn, a smiling person in a black shirt.

Text reading: “People cannot meaningfully challenge a decision if they cannot see or understand how it was made. When this opacity is combined with weaker review rights, participants face the real risk of being unable to contest flawed assumptions.” Disability Representative Organisations Joint Statement

Text reading: “It’s very concerning and really goes against the principles that the NDIS stands for…principles of personalisation and self-directed support.” Dr Georgia Van Toorn, University of NSW. And a photo of Dr Van Toorn, a smiling person in a black shirt

Text reading: “We are going from a space where the ART has a role in ordering that additional funds be allocated to the total funding amount given [to] a participant to a model in which that is not a question before the tribunal.” Senator Jordan Steele-John. And a photo of Senator Jordan Steele-John, a smiling bearded man in a long sleeved shirt.

Many Australians who rely on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could now have their NDIS plans computer-generated, with human involvement in assessment decision making set to be dramatically reduced.

Read the full article: https://loom.ly/4i181Kw

#NDIS #NDISPlan #NDISPlanning

Text reading: We deserve style. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair on a fashion runway.

Text reading: “The clothing available to people like me was clinical and spiritless. It signalled limitation rather than life.” Carol Taylor. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair with people adjusting one of her designs.

Text reading: “Practical function paired with beauty. Sequins, colour, boldness.” Carol Taylor. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair with people adjusting one of her designs.

Black text on a light purple background: I began designing clothes that protected my skin from pressure sores, addressed temperature regulation, and included discrete openings for catheters and colostomy bags, along with magnetic zips and buttons.

We deserve style.

After a car accident in 2001 left me a quadriplegic, paralysed from the chest down with completely paralysed hands, I not only lost my mobility, but also my identity and the freedom to express myself through fashion.

Read more from Carol Taylor: https://loom.ly/4MZ2stU

Text reading: International Day of People with Disability ambassador on inclusive access to public transport. And a photo of Santiago Velasquez in a light jacket on a ramp, with a black seeing eye dog next to him.

Text reading: Utilising his trade skills and lived experience, Mr Velasquez co-founded an accessibility app called Hailo, bridging the gap between public transportation and the needs of passengers with disability. And a photo of Santiago Velasquez in a light jacket on a ramp, with a black seeing eye dog next to him.

Black text on a green background: As one of this year's International Day of People with Disability ambassadors, Mr Velasquez believes the day is one of celebration, as it shows society that differences are what makes those in the disability community unique.

Santiago Velasquez is one of this year’s International Day of People with Disability ambassadors. Originally from Columbia, his family immigrated to Australia when he was a child, looking to build a better life around his disability.

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

#IDPwD #IDPwD2025

Text reading: New documentary explores the journey of the Australian Paralympic cycling team” and a photo of Korey Boddington, a white male with short light hair who is wearing a black tshirt.

Text reading: Director, Tristan Kenyon, explains that he and his brother co-wrote the documentary together, exploring the different reasons that someone might find themselves in a Paralympic team from the point of view of three athletes with varying conditions.” And a photo of Tristan Kenyon, a middle aged white male with greying facial hair.

Text reading: “It was more about regaining a sense of my identity…Being able to get into cycling, which was a suggestion of a friend…that really started this process of me reclaiming who I was.” Emily Petricola. And a photo of Emily Petricola, a white woman smiling into the camera with her long hair tied back.

Text reading: “I train with elite sprinters, the able bodies, and I would like to think I train harder than all of them. I don't think I train harder, but at least as hard…I don't wanna discredit the work that they do because they work incredibly hard as well, but we do it with a bigger challenge in front of us.” Kobe Bodington. And a photo of Kobe Bodington who has white hair and white skin.

A new documentary explores the journey of the Australian Paralympic cycling team and their participation in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Read more: https://loom.ly/-_Kzom8

Text reading: Federal government calls for community consultation on new disability safeguards strategy. And a photo of Minister for NDIS Mark Butler in Parliament, he is a white partially grey haired man with a white shirt, red tie, and dark suit jacket.

Text reading: To ensure the voices of the disability community are genuinely involved in shaping the final framework and strategy, those seeking to participate have been asked to submit their testimonies via a number surveys, interviews, and written responses. And a photo of Mark Butler in a white shirt and dark suit jacket

Black text on a light blue background: Responses provided during the consultation period will inform decision makers about what safeguards people with disability engage with, the issues faced when engaging with them, and how communities assist people with disability to engage with safeguards.

For many people with disability safety & wellbeing is a concern. The government is calling for consultation with the disability community to develop a stronger Disability Support Quality &Safeguarding strategy.

Consultations are open until December 22nd.

Read more: https://loom.ly/eR-HcAo