Young Leaders Programs
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Community Leadership Program
From 2026, CYDA will run a free two-year Community Leadership Program to support neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ young people aged 18 to 25 to build their leadership skills and champion change in their communities.
It will be delivered in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and online nationally in partnership with Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN), Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN), and Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS).
Twelve participants will be selected for each state and nationally, with an online expressions of interest process opening soon.
Regional and Rural Young Leaders Program
In 2024 and 2025, CYDA delivered the Regional and Rural Young Leaders Program, in partnership with local organisations Regional Disability Advocacy Service in Wagga Wagga, Rights in Action in Cairns, and YouthworX NT in Darwin.
This program adapted CYDA’s leadership model to regional and rural contexts, recognising the importance of place-based connection and local leadership.
"Through the Young Leaders Program, I’ve become more confident contributing in team settings. I feel more comfortable speaking up, taking on opportunities, and trusting my own judgement."
National Young Leaders Program
From 2020 to 2024, CYDA delivered the National Young Leaders Program, supporting 42 young people with disability across Australia to build leadership, advocacy, and community connection.
Delivered online, the program evolved across four cohorts to improve accessibility and participation. It included sessions on systems change, disability rights, storytelling, and self-advocacy, alongside networking opportunities and guest speakers from across the disability community.
Participants were supported to set and achieve their own leadership goals, with many continuing through mentorship beyond the program.
Graduates have gone on to contribute to advocacy, employment, boards and committees, and community leadership, with many reporting increased confidence and stronger self-advocacy skills.
"The program opened up opportunities in employment and community advocacy I never would have imagined. I feel more confident using my voice for myself and my community, and it’s helped me build my self-worth, confidence, and sense of identity."