Children and Young People with Disability Australia

Promoting equal opportunity and full inclusion for children and young people with disability (0-25 years) across Australia. 

Mum and pre-teen daughter playing together in a park. Both have long dark hair and are smiling at something the mother is holding. The young girl has Down Syndrome. Behind them is a cherry blossom tree full of pink flowers.

Community concerns about Thriving Kids

The Australian Government’s new Thriving Kids program will offer an NDIS alternative for some children with developmental delay and autism under nine, launching in July 2026 with access changes to follow in mid-2027.

Following the announcement, CYDA surveyed 1,535 parents, caregivers and young people with disability to understand their views. Nearly four in five (79%) said the rollout feels too rushed and risks leaving children without support.

Take Charge of Change Launch Webinar

How do you design resources that truly meet the needs of children and young people with disability?

Over the past year, CYDA has worked with 40 co-designers and multiple disabled artists to create practical new tools for children and young people with disability and their families.

Hear directly from disabled young people and families on the importance of co-design during this free launch webinar for CYDA’s Take Charge of Change resources.

NDIS and Your Rights

In September 2025, CYDA hosted a community webinar  exploring the impact of NDIS eligibility reassessments on children, young people and families.

The discussion brought together First Nations, Autistic, and advocacy voices, alongside legal experts, to unpack what these changes mean and what families can do next.

Watch the recording and access the webinar summary and resources in Easy Read, Word, and PDF.

An important part of the work we do at CYDA is making submissions to government and policy makers. In our submissions, we make recommendations for changes to uphold the rights, and improve the wellbeing, of children and young people with disability.

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The Platform is our newsletter for young people with disability, featuring interviews, opportunities and news on the issues that matter to you!

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Since June 2023, we have ...

delivered

25

co-design sessions with young people with disability

made

11

submissions to government 

welcomed

211

new participants in our projects and programs

partnered with

32

organisations on initiatives that benefit our community