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 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.
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.
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.
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).