Lessons from my first employer

“In my first job, I, unfortunately, experienced a lack of support as a disabled person. I believe that this came from their lack of awareness, not necessarily a place of malice.” Emily Unity reflects on their first experience of employment, what they’ve learned, and what they would do differently now.
My first job

Bethany Cody talks about her first job, and the value of diversity in the workplace.
Isolated and ignored: NSW Government’s draft policy leaves students with disability suspended

The NSW government is stuck in the dark ages as their draft behaviour policy continues to harm children and families and lacks acknowledgement of the current education systems failing in meeting the needs of students with disability.
Disappointment and discrimination: CYDA’s surveys of the learning experiences of children and young people with disability in 2022 and 2023

CYDA calls on National Cabinet to lead ministers for education, disability, early childhood and Indigenous children, to deliver and invest in the lifelong development, learning and education of children with disability.
Children and Young People with Disability Australia supports the Disability Royal Commission’s plan to end discriminatory restrictive practice against people with disability

Restrictive practices start early and have lifelong trauma and life-altering effects on young people with disability, and their sense of self and identity.
CYDA’s submission to the NDIS Review’s consultation into NDIS Participant Safeguarding

Download in PDF Download in Word ⚠️ Content note: Discussion of violence and abuse in relation to children and young people with disability. Introductory letter from CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore. The full submission can be read by downloading the Word or PDF versions above. Isobel Sloan Senior Adviser NDIS Review Secretariat Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 3 […]
CYDA welcomes funding boost for Inclusion Support Program, but further support is needed to make the early learning system more inclusive

Children and Young People with Disability Australia has welcomed the announcement made by Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly for a $21.2 million investment to the Government’s Inclusion Support Program.
Using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in North America

“I couldn’t help but laugh that such a tiny airport was willing to take the time to train their staff in this program, but the big airports couldn’t be bothered.” – Ashleigh Keating writes about her experiences using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard in North America.
How deep does it go? Australian students with disability and their experience of entrenched inequity in education

Survey questions were about the types of services and supports accessed, perceptions of resources available and training of professionals, and whether children have experienced exclusion, seclusion or bullying.
“I think the teachers need more help” – Voices of experience from students with disability in Australia

CYDA survey of students with disability, talking about their experiences of the Australian education system, including services, supports and experiences of bullying.
CYDA’s response to the South Australian Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care

Download in PDF Download in Word The experiences of children and young people must be captured in data and accounted for in public policy. Too often children and young people with disability’s specific needs and strengths are absent from both children/youth-specific and disability-specific policies. The early years of a child’s development can impact their entire […]
CYDA’s response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care

Download in PDF Download in Word The experiences of children and young people must be captured in data and accounted for in public policy. Too often children and young people with disability’s specific needs and strengths are absent from both children/youth-specific and disability-specific policies. The early years of a child’s development can impact their entire […]