Disabilities
Current news
Youth disability: Two online surveys
The Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) and the Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby are conducting surveys to canvas the views of young people with disability and their families on the issues they find most important. More information
11 Apr 2013
New legislation: National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill
The Bill establishes the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the NDIS Launch Transition Agency (the Agency) to deliver the launch of the scheme. Original article
26 Mar 2013
Siblings, young people and disability study
This study happening at the Social Policy Research Centre (UNSW) asks both young people with disabilities and their siblings without disabilities about their experiences of disability during young adulthood and what these mean for their sibling relationship. Original article
19 Mar 2013
Inquiry investigates sterlisations of disabled youth
ABC Radio's The World Today looks at the reasons why parents of young people with severe disabilities seek to have their children sterilised. Original article
14 Mar 2013
Unearthing the experiences of young people with autism
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has announced the launch of new research to explore the life experiences and support needs of adolescents with high functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder. Original article
31 Jan 2013
Dancer wins national human rights award
Dancer Lorcan Hopper, who has Down syndrome and has danced with the Restless Dance Theatre for eight years, recently won a national human rights award. Original article
10 Jan 2013
Education ministers give provisional endorsement for the implementation of a model for a nationally consistent collection of data on students with disability
On 7 December 2012 the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC), made up of education ministers from across Australia, gave provisional endorsement for a nationally consistent collection of data on school students with disability, pending receipt of the Final Report on the 2012 Trial. Original article
07 Jan 2013
Sterilisation first choice for the disabled
PARENTS of women with intellectual disabilities are going straight for sterilisation procedures rather than ''existing and viable options'' to help control menstruation and contraception, a national Senate inquiry has heard. Original article
02 Jan 2013
Disabled youth more abused than others
Children and young adults with disabilities are three times more likely to suffer abuse and neglect than their peers without disabilities, according to a policy paper released on Tuesday. Original article
06 Dec 2012
Views of young people in residential care survey
This paper produced by the Queensland Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian aims to contribute to the task of evaluating Queensland’s efforts to cultivate trauma and attachment informed residential care environments. Original article
30 Nov 2012
Guidelines support media reporting on disability
The Reporting it Right guidelines for portraying people with a disability released by Victorian Community Services were developed in consultation with journalists, media professionals, people with a disability and the disability sector. Original article
14 Nov 2012
Evaluation of the Self Directed Support Pilot for Children and Young Adults with a Physical Disability
This final report from the Social Policy Research Centre provides findings about the outcomes for participants and their families, implementation of the pilot, the process and cost analysis. Original article
31 Oct 2012
A Media Skills Workshop for Young People
This workshop in Melbourne on 17 November is for young people with and without disabilities and will provide information about how to use the media to create change in the issues important to young people. Original article
25 Oct 2012
Held back: The experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian schools
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission undertook research examining the experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian Schools to learn how schools are meeting students’ needs, as well as understanding where practice might be improved. Original article
09 Oct 2012
Time to stop the forced sterilisation of girls and women with disability
The Senate Community Affairs Committee has announced its intention to consider the involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with disabilities in Australia. Original article
03 Oct 2012
Arts Activated 2012 performances line up with Rudely Interrupted
Arts Activated, Australia’s only national arts and disability conference, presents a program which features strong dance, theatre and music presentations over two full days, 30 and 31 October. Original article
02 Oct 2012
Happiness in self-managing disability funds
Parents of children and young people with disabilities who self-manage their funding support are significantly happier than other carers, an Australian-first study has found. Original article
01 Oct 2012
Young Australians speak up for an NDIS
The Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, today earlier this week with a group of young Australians with disability at the first National Youth Disability Conference in Melbourne to discuss progress toward a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Original article
28 Sep 2012
How did teachers meet your needs?
The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) would like to hear from young people with a disability to provide advice to teachers on meeting their educational needs. Original article
27 Sep 2012
Students with a disability 2011
This statistical compendium from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research presents data on VET participation, achievements and outcomes for people with a disability. Original article
29 Aug 2012
Siblings, young people and disability study
This study, conducted at the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, seeks feedback from young people with a disability or siblings of those with a disability in order to gain an understanding of how disability affects their sibling relationship and affects what happens in their lives during young adulthood. Original article
29 Aug 2012
Young people with disabilities have something to say
George Taleporos, Manager of the Youth Disability Advocacy Service and a freelance consultant in disability awareness, writes in the ABC's Ramp up about the importance of listening to young people with disability about their aspirations and the issues they face. Original article
15 Aug 2012
Review of Disability Standards for Education 2005
On 1 August 2012, Senator the Hon Jacinta Collins, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education and Workplace Relations, released the Report on the Review of Disability Standards for Education 2005, and the Australian Government Response to the Review. Original article
09 Aug 2012
How do we stop young people entering aged care?
From ABC's Ramp Up, Di Winkler and Libby Callaway call for proper targeted support to prevent young people being admitted to nursing homes, and to ensure that they reach their full potential in life. Original article
27 Jul 2012
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) news
The NDIS features prominently in the news, with debate at a recent COAG meeting on how it is funded, and the launch of the scheme in 2 states yesterday. More information
27 Jul 2012
‘Disablism’ could shape the future for young people with a disability
A new study led by the University of Sydney hopes to shed light on how the experiences of young Australians with a disability are shaped by discrimination. Original article
24 Jul 2012
How to Hear Me: A resource kit for counsellors and other professionals working with people with intellectual disability
This is a new resource kit for counsellors and other professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities from WWILD Sexual Violence Prevention Association Inc, Disability Training Program – Victims of Crime. Original article
23 Jul 2012
Nursing homes not good for disabled youths
Younger people with physical and cognitive disabilities should be spared living in nursing homes, according to new research from Summer Foundation, an advocacy group. Original article
09 Jul 2012
National Youth Disability Conference
The first National Youth Disability Conference scheduled for 24 & 25 September 2012 will bring together young people with disabilities, peak bodies, representative organisations, and passionate workers and researchers in the field, from across Australia. Original article
05 Jul 2012
Australian Social Trends - data from the ABS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces regular reports on a variety of social trends. This issue includes information on children and young people with disability, and participation in sports or dancing activities by children and young people. Original article
03 Jul 2012
Survey for young people with disability
Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS), Children with Disability Australia (CDA) and Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) want to hear from young people with disability about their views on what is important to their lives. Original article
18 Jun 2012
Victoria looks at new national standards for disability services
The Victorian Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge says the introduction of national standards is one of 11 foundation reforms that are the building blocks of an NDIS and Victoria is leading this work on behalf of the Commonwealth and the other States and Territories. Original article
28 May 2012
Siblings Australia Surveys
For 13 years Siblings Australia has developed services and resources for siblings of children and adults with disability or chronic illness. Recently, they have been concerned about one particular challenge – the incidence of aggression toward siblings by the child/young person with disability. In order to understand the nature and extent of the problem they have established a short (10 question) anonymous survey. Siblings Australia hopes to hear from parents, providers and siblings themselves. Original article
17 May 2012
PM Confirms NDIS Funding & Roll Out At Sydney Rally
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement confirming funding in the May Budget at the Sydney rally for the NDIS, one of several rallies held across Australia yesterday. Original article
01 May 2012
Younger people with disability in residential aged care: 2010-11
This bulletin from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare presents data on the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) initiative, which aims to reduce the number of people with disability aged under 65 who live in residential aged care. Original article
27 Apr 2012
Safeguard vulnerable young from aged care isolation
Research undertaken by the Summer Foundation and Monash University looks into the isolation of young people with disability who are cared for in nursing homes. Original article
23 Apr 2012
Evaluation of the Self Directed Support Pilot Second Report
Disability and Community Care Services, Department of Communities has commissioned an evaluation of the outcomes, process and costs of the Self Directed Support pilot by a research team led by the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC). This second report provides findings about the outcomes for participants and their families, implementation of the pilot, the process and cost analysis; and draws together implications for future development of similar programs. Original article
03 Apr 2012
CHW School Link newsletter
The March 2012 edition the CHW School Link newsletter (volume 3 issue 1) on mental health and intellectual disability in children and adolescents is now available. Original article
02 Apr 2012
Hidden in plain sight
The Global Mail reports on the experiences of young people and their carers face when they support and services in the current policy framework, and the hopes that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will address many of the barriers and inequities they've encountered. Original article
27 Mar 2012
Sociability: social media for people with a disability
This review from Media Access Australia aims to enable all users equal access to social media. Original article
20 Mar 2012
Sociability: social media for people with a disability
In late 2011, Media Access Australia undertook research to determine how the accessibility issues found in each of the most popular social media tools can be overcome. Original article
15 Mar 2012
Impact for students with disabilities unclear
The lack of data on students with disabilities hindered the detail of Gonski’s proposals in this needy area, but principals have welcomed his general principle. Original article
13 Mar 2012
Outside School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has released the Evaluation of Outside School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability report. Original article
02 Mar 2012
Community attitudes to people with disability: scoping project
This report from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs investigates current research on community attitudes towards people with disability. Original article
22 Feb 2012
Changes to Disability Support Pension rules for people under 35
Under legislation introduced into Federal Parliament today, Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients aged under 35 years with some capacity to work will be required to attend regular participation interviews with Centrelink to develop participation plans, to help build their capacity and overcome barriers to work. The Bill also introduces more generous rules to allow DSP recipients to work up to 30 hours a week and continue to receive a part-pension, subject to income and assets testing. Original article
16 Feb 2012
Concern over forced sterilisation of young women with disabilities
The Federal Disability Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has written to Australian state and territory governments expressing concern about the number of young women with disabilities who are being sterilised. According to Mr Innes, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of procedures being carried out without court approval is rising. Original article
15 Feb 2012
New Schools Disability Advisory Council
The Schools Disability Advisory Council is a new group comprised of parents, teachers, young people with disability and peak bodies formed to advise the Australian Government on issues affecting students with disability. It met for the first time on 14 February and discussed issues including the Disability Standards for Education, funding and specific measures to help students with disability. Original article
15 Feb 2012
Disability is not a joke
A recent joke about disability by a high-profile social commentator 'reveals a subtle and no doubt unconscious contempt for disabled people that is still rife in our culture' according to Stella Young, editor of ABC's Ramp Up website. Original article
09 Feb 2012
Helping Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities will get more support to help them finish school and find a job under the More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative, which will allow schools to make the best choices for their students so they can learn more easily and engage with their classmates, teachers and support staff. Original article
02 Feb 2012
Jobs project for disabled treads new ground
As the momentum for a national disability insurance scheme slowly builds, one young woman not content to wait is embarking on a bold venture to give Australians with disabilities a better chance at employment. Original article
24 Jan 2012
Governments strike disability scheme pact
A national disability insurance scheme is a step closer after the federal government struck agreement on key reforms to establish it by mid-2013, amid concerns funding may be taken away from other services to achieve it. Original article
25 Oct 2011
To gain, retain and retrain: the role of post-school education for people with a disability
Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, this study from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research looks at the role of vocational education and training (VET) qualifications not just in labour market outcomes for people with disability but in improving their working conditions. Original article
26 Sep 2011
Internship program for students with disability
From the Australian Network on Disability, the ‘Stepping into…’™ is a unique internship program designed to assist students with disability enter their chosen profession. Original article
16 Sep 2011
What next for young people in nursing homes?
The five-year national Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program, which aimed to reduce the number of young people with disability living in aged care nursing homes (with the first priority being those aged less than 50), concluded in June 2011. Original article
15 Sep 2011
Ramp Up - New ABC website
ABC's new online destination for news, discussion, debate and humour for everyone in Australia's disability communities. Original article
14 Sep 2011
Disability Rights Update newsletter is back
The Australian Human Rights Commission has re-instated its Disability Rights Update newsletter. Original article
05 Sep 2011
How come you don’t want one? Living with Down Syndrome
Insights from Jan Gothard from Murdoch University on the experiences of families with a child with Down Syndrome. Original article
30 Aug 2011
Disability Care and Support - Inquiry report
The Productivity Commission states in this report that a new national scheme for disability — like Medicare — is feasible, that it would produce very large benefits for Australians and that a realistic and clear implementation pathway is available. Original article
22 Aug 2011
Young people in nursing homes
This whitepaper summarises recent research regarding the social inclusion of young people in nursing homes, and further outlines the policy and practical challenges related to this issue. Original article
09 Aug 2011
Younger people with disability in residential aged care: update from the 2009-10 Minimum Data Set
From the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, this report presents data from the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program during its first four years of operation to 2009-10. Original article
27 Jul 2011
Balancing trust and control in the provision of disability employment services
How have changes to funding contracts affected the provision of social welfare services? Original article
13 Jul 2011
Students with a disability
This statistical compendium from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research presents data on VET participation, achievements and outcomes for people with a disability. Original article
07 Jul 2011
Social Participation of People with a Disability, 2011
This publication from the Australian Bureau of Statistics examines ABS survey data of people with disability participating in a range of social activities. Topics in these surveys include people’s ability to leave their home and be part of their wider community, participation in a range of cultural and leisure activities and contact with family and friends. Original article
29 Jun 2011
Mental health disabling young people
Mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia are the leading cause of disability among young people, a new international study has revealed. Original article
10 Jun 2011
My School flaws mask true picture for students with disabilities
The head of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), Professor Barry McGaw, admits the My School website doesn’t consider how results are skewed when pupils with special needs are included in a school’s literacy results. He is worried some schools may stop enrolling students with special needs for fear of poor literacy results. Original article
27 Apr 2011
Survey for young people with a disability in education
The Government is reviewing Disability Standards for Education that aim to give young people with a disability equal opportunity to access and participate in education free from bullying and discrimination. AYAC (The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition) is preparing a submission and would like to hear the views of young people in Australia. Original article
12 Apr 2011
Evaluation of the Self Directed Support Pilot for Children and Young Adults with a Physical Disability
This baseline report published by the Social Policy Research Centre provides early findings about the outcomes for participants and their families, implementation of the Self Directed Support pilot the process and cost analysis. Original article
25 Mar 2011
What are the major drivers of prevalent disability burden in young Australians?
An article in the Medical Journal of Australia reports on the nature and conditions of disability among adolescents and young people in Australia. Original article
10 Mar 2011
Disability Care and Support - Draft report
The Productivity Commission has issued a draft report and recommendations for disability care and support systems in Australia. Original article
01 Mar 2011
COAG endorses Australia’s first National Disability Strategy
The first national strategy to provide a long term road map for improving the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers has been endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). www.ibtimes.com/articles/112734/20110215/coag-endorses-australia-s-first-national-disability-strategy.htm
17 Feb 2011
Online bulimia treatment trial seeking participants
Jacqueline Baulch - a doctoral research student at Swinburne University - has developed an online treatment program in conjunction with the National e-Therapy Centre. www.cnet.ngo.net.au/content/view/51842/228/
02 Feb 2011
Young people with a disability deserve better than nursing homes - Monash University
Young Australians with an acquired brain injury are more disconnected from their communities when living in aged care nursing homes than group homes according to new research published by Monash University and Di Winkler -- Director of Building Better Lives. www.cnet.ngo.net.au/content/view/51850/228/
02 Feb 2011
Comparison of People With ABI Living in Two Accommodation Settings
Young Australians with an acquired brain injury are more disconnected from their communities when living in aged care nursing homes than group homes according to this research. www.atypon-link.com/AAP/doi/pdf/10.1375/brim.11.3.313?cookieSet=1
31 Jan 2011
Report on Government Services 2011
A report from the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (SCRGSP) into a range of government services for young people. www.pc.gov.au/gsp/reports/rogs/2011
31 Jan 2011
New Clinic for Young People with an Intellectual Disability
Clinics at Concord and Bowral hospitals have been established by the Disability Assessment and Rehabilitation Team for Young People (DARTYP). www.cnet.ngo.net.au/content/view/51173/228/
09 Dec 2010
'I Just Can't Hide It': 3CR Community Radio project featuring eight young women with a disability
This 3CR Community Radio project was first broadcast on International Day of People with Disability 3 December 2010. www.3cr.org.au/ijustcanthideit
09 Dec 2010
Support & information for families of children & young people with developmental disability in NSW
Resourcing Families provides support and information to families of children and young people with developmental disability in NSW. www.resourcingfamilies.org.au
24 Nov 2010
Upcoming events
22nd May 2013
Disability and Digital Inclusion
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Type: Conference, seminar
7th Dec 2012
Moving on Out
Location: Melbourne
Type: For young people
22nd May 2013
Proactive approaches to preventing the abuse and neglect of children with disability
Location: Lismore, NSW
Type: Conference, seminar
Unemployed youth mix job search with study
Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that most 15- to 19-year olds who are classified as unemployed are studying. Original article
17 May 2013
Youth reach out for mental health help online
A study by the Inspire Foundation has found that young people in distress are more likely to look for mental health help online rather than seek help from a professional. Original article
17 May 2013
Queensland out of step on age of consent laws
Age of consent laws for heterosexuals and homosexuals should be brought in line with each other in an overhaul which also focuses on age differences in prosecutions, according to Queensland's Youth Advocacy Centre. Original article
17 May 2013
AYAC reports on the Federal Budget and youth issues
The Deputy-Director of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition was in Canberra for the release of the Government's budget. He reports on the issues that will affect young Australians. Original article
17 May 2013
Making Australian health and welfare data available
David Kalisch, Director and CEO, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, talks about the importance of making data publicly available in order for government and service delivery organisations to be more effective. Original article
17 May 2013