Thrive by Five Early Learning and Disability Communiqué

A little girl with Down Syndrome wearing a white shirt and pigtails, giving a double thumbs up with a gummy smile. To the left is the Thrive by Five Mindaroo Foundation logo. Below, text reads: "The Thrive by Five early learning and disability communique."

All children deserve a high quality, affordable early education and care system that is universally accessible. But the current early education and care system is not working for children with disability and neurodiverse profiles.

CYDA’s response to the inquiry into the worsening rental crisis

Response to inquiry.

The Australian rental market is currently experiencing significant challenges, with skyrocketing rent prices and a diminishing supply of affordable housing. For young people with disability, this situation has become even more dire, as they face a unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities when trying to secure stable and suitable accommodation.

CYDA as my first employer

young person presenting and standing behind a lecturn with a microphone one one side and mini flags of first nation, torres strait and australian flags. Young person is wearing black headphones around their neck and a black print shirt. There is a cyda banner in the background.

Xander Wroblewski talks about the difficulty of finding an after-school job, and his experience on CYDA’s Youth Council.

Lessons from my first employer

A young person working in a hospitality setting, slicing bread, young person is wearing a black apron and smiling towards the task they are doing.

“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 

a silver sparkly walking cane.

Bethany Cody talks about her first job, and the value of diversity in the workplace.

Using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in North America

A young, fair-skinned woman posing with Spiderman in front of a brick wall with colourful spider web stencils on it. The young woman is grinning and both are posed with the classic Spiderman web slinging fists.

“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.