CYDA’s submission to the Senate Inquiry into School disruption
Download in PDF Download in Word ⚠️ Content note: Discussion of ableism ” … it’s important for children to attend as much [school] as possible, and they [schools and teachers] aren’t very flexible about this, because for some kids, like me, it’s a case of quality versus quantity.” Young person with disability The Disability Standards […]
A Fish Climbing Trees
I used to think I hated learning. I remember being confused about why there were always “right” and “wrong” ways to communicate, sit, listen, and learn. However, it turned out that I didn’t hate learning – I hated the way school forced me to learn.
How does self-care work as a deafblind person?
I can not do some typical self-care activities that others who aren’t deafblind might do. I can’t go to the movies and see a film, or watch Netflix while curled up on the couch …
One thing that brings me great joy and allows me to truly switch off, is reading, but the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) are of the belief that funding braille translation of books is not “reasonable” or “necessary”.
CYDA’s submission to the consultation Draft National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy
Download in PDF Download in Word ⚠️ Content note: Discussion of ableism, bullying, discrimination, stigma, suicide and queerphobia ‘It’s like a systemic issue, ableism, and stigma against mental health and disability’ Young person with disability (2021) Children and young people have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions […]
Disability Services Act Review – Joint Submission
Download in PDF Download in Word A New Act to Replace the Disability Services Act 1986 The proposal to repeal and replace the Disability Services Act 1986 (the Act) represents a significant opportunity to provide the vision and direction for the rights of people with disability in Australia for years to come. The Act was progressive for […]
CYDA’s submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Poverty
Download in PDF Download in Word “… [T]he Disability Support Pension is ridiculous to get on. I’ve submitted my application now that I’ve been diagnosed but I’m just waiting now. But they’re making it harder for people on JobSeeker [sic] to even live because they’re going to force us to do 20 [job applications] a […]
The need for inclusive education
Pre-service Teachers are still not required to learn about disability in their four years of study, and if they are taught about disability in education, it is usually only a very small portion of what should actually be taught.
“Self-care” is exhausting (ironic, huh)
I love self-care. I will gladly indulge in anything that gives me the happy brain stuff (also known as Serotonin and Dopamine), but my enjoyment of reading uninterrupted for days, or cleaning, or rewatching something I’ve seen a million times before isn’t generally perceived as “self-care”, despite its positive impact.
What they don’t tell you when you receive a diagnosis
Diagnoses of invisible disabilities (for example, MS, ADHD, arthritis, brain injuries, diabetes, learning disabilities, chronic pain and fatigue etc.) are undeniably tricky to navigate, and can be especially difficult for parents with young children with little to no experience of the disability sector
The value of disabled teachers in the classroom
I have done a lot of evolving in my short-long life. From the kid who was left behind, to the person teaching the class. I have a lot to say on the education system – mostly that it’s kaput – and I feel a lot of responsibility when it comes to teaching my kiddos (who, like me, are disabled).
Self-care is prioritising your needs and values
I used to be someone who considered self-care another thing on the to-do list, a burden of sorts. I desperately wanted self-care to “work” so that I could get on with my life. It was almost clinical.
Overcoming the fear of labelling
Since I was a school kid, I have shown signs of ADD – attention deficit disorder.
Spending majority of my classes in uncontrolled daydreaming, fidgeting unconsciously with the stationaries on my desk, and missing half of my schoolwork unintentionally, I started to become frustrated about myself.
