The Federal Budget takes small steps in the right direction, but there is a long way to go
The NDIS The Federal Budget has confirmed the government’s announcements of an 8 per cent growth target by 2026 and an injection of funds into the NDIA for new reform. Minister for the NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten, has promised again that “The NDIS is here to stay”. CYDA chief executive officer Skye Kakoschke-Moore […]
Ableist Media Myths
As a disabled young person, it’s heartbreaking to be bombarded by media that perpetuates ableist attitudes and myths. Especially with the recent federal budget, it’s awful to see headlines that paint people like me as a burden to society or a drain on the economy. I am writing this reflection to disrupt the normalised ableist narrative and bust the media myths that perpetuate it.
An NDIS plan means freedom, independence, autonomy and getting on with my life confidently
I’m still stuck in limbo, waiting to hear whether I’ve been accepted or rejected for the second time. They’ve taken two weeks to acknowledge the receipt of my identity documents, only to say they need more evidence that I do in fact exist and am who I say I am.
Children and young people with disability, and their families, need stability and certainty regarding their NDIS plans
Late last week, the Federal Government announced a new growth target for the NDIS of 8 per cent per year by 2026. This is significantly lower than previous projections.
Disability Youth Advocates call for an urgent raise to JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and the youth rate of DSP
With the dramatic rise in rents and basic costs of living, Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) supports recommendations in the Interim Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Report to Government to raise JobSeeker and Rent Assistance payments as a matter of urgency.
CYDA’s response to the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy Discussion Paper
Download in PDF Download in Word CYDA supports the development of the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy. In our response to the government’s discussion paper on the strategy, released in February 2023, CYDA has made the following recommendations: foreground the Strategy with anti-ableism framing reform through co-design prioritise the needs of diverse groups through universal design/thinking […]
CYDA’s submission to the Education Department’s National vision for early childhood education and care
Download in PDF Download in Word The first step of an inclusive life for children with a disability. CYDA is encouraged by the draft ‘National Vision for Early Childhood Education and Care’ and welcomes the inclusion of equity and accessibility principles. In our submission, we have made recommendations supporting the importance of early childhood education and […]
CYDA’s submission to the Education Department’s Review of the impact of COVID-19 on school students with disability
Download in PDF Download in Word The inequalities that drive the exclusion of children and young people from accessing quality education and ultimately an inclusive life, are complex and multi-dimensional. CYDA’s community (families, caregivers, children and young people with disability) have told us about the inadequacy of targeted responses for children and young people spanning […]
New funding for Disability Advocacy
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP, has announced an increase in funding for 17 Disability Representative Organisations – including Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA).
How having an existing disability has impacted a secondary diagnosis
I was at school, and there was an expectation that I get on with my studies and put aside any internal struggles related to my disability. So, in a sense, I kind of skipped past the grief stage and was forced to accept it without having time to comprehend what was happening to me.
Navigating self-care with disability and chronic pain
I got myself surrounded with a network of support. Friends that I could trust, support groups that I could talk to without feeling ashamed. These were the people that motivated me to care for myself and reminded me that I was not alone on this personal journey.
CYDA’s submission to the consultation on the draft Quality Framework for the Disability Employment Services Program
Download in PDF Download in Word ⚠️ Content note: Discussion of ableism “There’s a really common attitude that we (disabled youth) should just ‘get on DSP’ and not pursue study or careers, and while that certainly can be the best option for some disabled people, it is a dangerous narrative because it contributes to the […]
