Text reading: Episode 3, Safety Rights and Justice, Building Inclusion, Australia’s disability strategy.

Text reading: Rosie Putland. Episode 3: Safety Rights and Justice. “I've had experiences of disability and of discrimination all throughout my life...coming to terms with what it means to be disabled, but also what it means to have been a disabled child as well, without necessarily having that language around it.” And a photo of Sam and Rosie standing outside a sandstone building.

Text reading: “Our findings from the royal commission were very much that attitudes were often the sort of key barrier or key block. Those low expectations you could often see happen at a deep unconscious level that the person engaged in that was not even aware that they were saying or manifesting that idea.” Kate Eastman, Episode 3: Safety Rights and Justice. And a photo of Kate and Sam looking at the camera while smiling.

Text reading: Building Inclusion, Australia’s Disability Strategy. Episode 3, Safety Rights and Justice Out Now. And a photo of Sam Drummond in a rain jacket.

Episode three of Building Inclusion, Safety, Rights, and Justice, is out wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The podcast episode explores safety, rights, and justice for people with disability in Australia, and the urgent need for systems that truly protect and uphold human rights.

Text reading: Disability community disproportionally affected by rising fuel costs. And a photo of Sophie, a woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and brown shirt.

Text reading: “We know from everybody's experience during COVID that there are mental health consequences if people are unable to get out and connect with family and friends in the community. It took quite a long time for disability services to be recognised as essential services.” Terry Symonds. And a photo of Terry Symonds, a white man in a dark suit

Text reading: “Some providers might be scaling back or canceling regional services, and then some of the measures that are put in place…like free public transport might [be]…inaccessible or unavailable…this has really tangible consequences for people.” Sophie Cusworth. And a photo of Sophie, a woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and brown shirt.

Disability community disproportionally affected by rising fuel costs.

How are rising fuel costs impacting your life? We’d love to hear your stories & amplify your voice in a follow up article.

Read more: https://loom.ly/BTF6V4Y

Text reading: Don’t Be F*cking Weird About It. And a photo of Alex sitting in their wheelchair, smiling. They're wearing a red top and bottom and have short bleached hair.

Text reading: “I blame our systems, not our communities because if our systems actually supported us, then it would be easier for society to follow by example.” Alex Reimers. And a photo of Alex in a power chair at the Chillout Festival. Alex is wearing rainbow clothes and there is a large rainbow in the background of the photo.

Text reading: When I’m dating someone, I receive a lot of stares, misguided ableist compliments, like “how beautiful”, and “it’s so nice to see”, which implies that my dates are doing me a service by dating me. I even get looks of shock followed by whispers like, “they’re dating”, or “are they kissing?!”. Alex Reimers. And a photo of Alex in their powerchair. Alex is smiling and has a blue shirt on with short pink hair.

Text reading: We need our systems to recognise that we, people with disability are to be celebrated as the magnificent, whole, sexual, datable beings we are. Systems like NDIS need to fund things like sex toys, sex work and other disability related access tools that makes it possible for us to explore our bodies safely. Healthcare needs to include more educational services for disabled individuals and families, not silence us from asking questions. Alex Reimers. And a photo of Alex in their powerchair. Alex is smiling and has a blue shirt on with short pink hair.

Don’t Be F*cking Weird About It

My fellow disability community, how many times have you been shamed, shut down or laughed at for expressing your sexuality and need to be treated as a sexual being? Do you ever feel like you’re asking for too much?

Read more: https://loom.ly/MuCGZ2Y

Text reading: She came in through the bathroom window: how I found my autistic identity. And a photo of Georgia Fields sitting on the floor surrounded by colourful crayon style markings.

Text reading: “Rather than finding the main door marked Autism. I spent my childhood and most of my adult life walking through hallways and knocking on various doors marked ‘eating disorder’ or ‘anxiety’ or ‘PTSD’ or ‘post-natal depression’ or ‘you’re just too sensitive." Georgia Fields. And a photo of Georgia Fields with their left arm in the air and their right arm pointing down.

Text reading: “I began to see myself in other autistic people – their conversation style, their niche passions, their writing, their song lyric quotes and Simpsons references. And I thought, hey, these are my people. And I wondered, maybe I belong here.” Georgia Fields. And a photo of Georgia Fields sitting on the floor surrounded by colourful crayon style markings.

Text reading: “Autism isn’t a monolith; it’s a diverse spectrum of experiences. Seeing autism as a culture allows us to centre autistic experience as the ‘main character’ of its definition. This is crucial for autism acceptance – from others, and for ourselves.” Georgia Fields. And a photo of Georgia Fields holding hands up to their face and looking off to the left.

Today, for Autism Awareness Day, Georgia Fields shares a powerful and deeply personal reflection for Powerd Media.

It’s a reminder of the importance of listening to lived experience, and centering Autistic voices in the conversation.

#AutismAwarenessDay

Read more: https://loom.ly/6LwSF0Y

Text reading: Episode 2, Inclusive Homes and Communities. Building Inclusion: Australia’s Disability Strategy.

Text reading: Leeanne Caton. Episode 2: Inclusive Homes. “If you're a person with…a wheelchair, you need a four wheel drive version due to the lack of sealed roads and driveways in remote communities…Unless you actually have lived experience, you don't get how hard it can [be] not to be able to roll a wheelchair into a house.“ And a photo of Leeanne, a smiling Ingenious woman, with Sam Dummond, a short statured man wearing blue glasses.

Text reading: “I said ‘I work in your department. I'm a wheelchair user and I would love to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge become wheelchair accessible. Is there an option for us to put some lifts in’...Two weeks later, I got a response from one of the policy advisors saying the Premier really likes this idea. How do we make it happen?” Paul Nunnari, Episode 2: Inclusive Homes and Communities. And a photo of Paul, a bald man in manual wheelchair, and Sam Drummond, a short statured man wearing blue glasses.

Text reading: Building Inclusion, Australia’s Disability Strategy. Hosted by Sam Drummond. Episode 2, Inclusive Homes and Communities OUT NOW. And a photo of Sam Drummond in a rain jacket.

Episode two of Building Inclusion, Inclusive Homes and Communities, is out wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Too often, physical, social, and systemic barriers can make it difficult for people to live independently and participate in community life.

Find out more: https://loom.ly/GlKGCgw

Text reading: 30,000 Deaf Australians at Risk of Losing Accessible News Platform. And a photo of Brett Casey, a tall white man in a blue jacket and dark shirt.

Text reading: 30,000 Deaf Australians at Risk of Losing Accessible News Platform. And a photo of Brett Casey, a tall white man in a blue jacket and dark shirt.

Text reading: “If you think about it, Australians…go about their morning routine while listening to the news, or if you're public catching public transport, you can still access news and podcasts through auditory methods. For everyday deaf Australians, that doesn't happen. We don't have access to radio. We may see a snippet on tv. We're following the captions, but we miss a lot of that information.” Brett Casey. And a photo of Brett Casey, a tall white man in a blue jacket and dark shirt.

Text reading: “It is time. It's time for deaf Australians to have a voice and to be able to access news like any other Australian citizen. It's a no brainer to fund this, from my point of view.” Brett Casey. And a screenshot from todays Auslan 90s News, a white woman with short hair signing.

30,000 Deaf Australians at Risk of Losing Accessible News Platform

Deaf Connect currently delivers the country’s only Auslan focused news service. Called Auslan90, the daily news program provides access to news in Auslan to the Australian deaf community.

Read more: https://loom.ly/3RwAOfM

Text reading: Vision Australia welcomes fines for TTSS refusals. And an image of a person with a white cane being helped around a car.

Text reading: “It has become more and more common for taxi providers to refuse to accept the TTSS as part-payment of fares when there is really no reason to do so. Drivers still receive the full fare if a passenger uses the TTSS and a refusal to accept such a fare only hurts the passenger who may have no other way of travelling.” Bruce Maguire. And an image of Bruce sitting the back seat of a car with an aide leaning on the open door.

White text on a brown background: “The rules have always been there, but the enforcement across the industry hasn't always matched the severity of the offence.” Olivia Barry, 13Cabs.

Vision Australia welcomes fines for TTSS refusals.

NSW transport users with disability will be pleased to learn that taxi providers who refuse to accept fares from passengers using the Taxi Transport (TTSS) Subsidy Scheme could now face up to $3000 in fines.

Read more: https://loom.ly/7nk-Rdg

Text reading: Episode 1, Employment and Financial Security. Building Inclusion, Australia’s Disability Strategy.

Text reading: Quinn Jones, Episode 1: Employment. "I’ve learned confidence. I was very unconfident when I started here at Hotel Etico, and it was difficult to push myself to learn new things because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do them. Confidence has helped me improve my learning and supports me in understanding how I’m different from other people." And a photo of Quinn Jones and Andrea Comastri from Hotel Etico stand on a porch with Sam Drummond.

Text reading: “For thirteen years, I couldn’t get work. When I did finally get an interview, they said, ‘Is there anything else you want to talk about?’ I don’t disclose my disability before I go to job interviews, so I said, ‘You realise I’m blind, right?’ They said to me, ‘Yes — do you think that matters?’ And I couldn’t answer the question. I don’t usually get emotional about things, but I did that day. I remember saying, ‘Well, actually, I think it could be an advantage.’” And a photo of Sam Drummond and Vaughn Bennison standing together in Tasmania.

Text reading: Building Inclusion, Australia’s Disability Strategy. Hosted by Sam Drummond. Episode 1, Employment OUT NOW. And a photo of Sam Drummond in a rain jacket.

Episode one of Building Inclusion, Employment and Financial Security, is out wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Next Wednesday (25th March) week we launch episode two of Building Inclusion: Inclusive Homes and Communities.

Found out more: https://loom.ly/RBTRkn8

Text reading: Government commits $90 million to build stronger, more inclusive communities. And a photo of Jenny McAllister Minister for NDIS a smiling woman in a red jacket and black shirt.

Text reading: “We want to make sure that people with disability and their families are empowered by a broad network of supports and services on the ground in their communities.” Senator Jenny McAllister. And a photo of Jenny McAllister, a smiling woman with short hair in a black jacket and black shirt.

Text reading: During the 2025-26 Federal Budget, the government stated its commitment to reforming the ILC Program over the next five years, aiming at boosting the quality, consistency and reach of funded initiatives to better meet the needs of the disability community. And a photo of Jenny Mcallister in black pants and a green long sleeved top, talking to a man with short hair and a dark blue jumper in what looks like a gym.

Text reading: “This is just the first step in reforming the ILC Program. More comprehensive changes and opportunities are to come later this year.” Senator Jenny McAllister. And a photo of Jenny McAllister laughing and talking to two people outside what looks like a business.

Organisations nationwide will share funding from the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program, which funds community-based projects to foster independence, connection, and capacity building for individuals with disability, families, and carers.

Read more: https://loom.ly/TubYC6I

Text reading: Disability advocate discriminated against for using own straw in public. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair on a fashion runway.

Text reading: “They [The disability community] certainly shouldn't have Gen Z challenging their patrons that bring their own plastic straws. I was very quick instance to educate that young lady. I was very pleasant about it, but she was very unaware of the importance of plastic straws for people with disability.” Carol Taylor. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair with people adjusting one of her designs.

Text reading: “If you consider how many times an able-bodied person would reach for a straw in their week, then consider how often a person with disability [reaches for one], I think it's been a gross overreaction and a distraction to the real issue of pollution in our oceans.” Carol Taylor. And a photo of Carol Taylor in a power chair on a fashion runway.

Disability advocate discriminated against for using own straw in public.

A prominent figure in the disability sector has called out a café, after experiencing backlash from an employee for using their own straw in a public venue.

Read more: https://loom.ly/ih3okuw

Text reading: The Disability Strategy’s roadmap to employment and financial security. Sam Drummond in Sydney with the bridge and Luna Park in the background

Text reading: “It was a chance for a change in my life, even though I was very nervous. I was very motivated to come here every day, and I tried my absolute best in everything I did. I've learnt so much from this place. I've learned how to learn…I've learned confidence and that confidence has helped me improve my learning.”  Quinn Jones (Left). And a photo of Quinn Jones and Andrea Comastri from Hotel Etico stand on a porch with Sam Drummond.

Black text on a pink-purple background: “I get really tired when I stand on my feet for too long. I would need few breaks in between shifts and flexible working shifts would be acceptable.” Kaitlyn

Text reading: “We need non-disabled people to understand that employing disabled people is the best way to make sure that your products and services…are accessible and inclusive to all.”  Vaughn Bennison. And a photo of Sam Drummond and Vaughn Bennison standing together in Tasmania.

The episode of Building Inclusion – Australia’s Disability Strategy explores what meaningful employment and financial security really look like for people with disability, and why getting employment practices right can transform lives.

Read more on: https://loom.ly/D51nFcc

Text reading: Accessible outdoor activities made possible for adventurers with disability. And a photo of a man in a green jacket, rigged up to ropes, and about to head off a cliff.

Text reading: “Everybody comes to us because they're needing some assistance to interact in a way that's safe and comfortable for them with the outdoors…our job is to work out where they're up to, where they want to be, and help them bridge that gap…Our accessibility products are just a continuation of that.” Hugh Ward. And a photo of Three people rigging a wheelchair user up to a rose course in the bush.

Text reading: “One of the participants earlier in the year said to one of the other people that had been the best experience that they'd had since their accident…that was quite powerful… we realised we were doing something that was a little bit extra to just our ordinary guiding.” Hugh Ward. And a photo of four wheelchair users eating lunch in the bush, while wearing helmets and harnesses and other safety gear for their adventures.

Text reading: “I think more options is always better in so many different ways, at all different varying levels too. Some people don't necessarily want the Paralympic level of participation and everything that demands, they just wanna do it for passion, so I think catering to all types of people's interests and passions is the ideal.” Chris Astill. And a photo of two people rigging a person to ropes.

Accessible outdoor activities made possible for adventurers with disability.

Photo credit: Rod Soares

Thrill seekers with disability looking to participate in outdoor activities can now do so, thanks to a team of pioneers in the picturesque Blue Mountains.

Read more: https://loom.ly/tUYgSZA

Text reading: International Women’s Day: Spotlight on Sophie Cusworth. And a photo of Sophie, a woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and brown shirt.

Text reading: “I was really motivated by social justice, by what I felt was right and ethical, and really saw myself becoming a lawyer and an advocate, particularly working in the human rights space because of that…understanding the intersections of feminist theory and gender and law really stood out to me.” Sophie Cusworth.

Text reading: “I work at a member-based organisation, and the ability to go into a public forum or a government meeting and to say, ‘this is what our community is talking about. These are the various concerns around our community’ is really rewarding. And I think being able to see changes, when you do see those changes, it's incredibly exciting.” Sophie Cusworth. And a photo of Sophie, a woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and brown shirt.

International Women’s Day: Spotlight on Sophie Cusworth.

Sophie Cusworth is the CEO of Women with Disabilities Australia, the peak advocacy body for the rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities.

Read more: https://loom.ly/aRRvIgg

Text reading: International Women’s Day: Spotlight on Nas Campanella. And a photo of Nas Campanella, a woman standing upright in a dark blue dress.

Text reading: “I was always fairly curious as a kid. I loved to read, I loved radio. It was mostly radio that I was particularly interested in…I’ve got a natural kind of curiosity and skepticism about people and places, so was quite interested in journalism from that perspective.” Nas Campanella. And a photo of Nas Campanella, sitting at a work desk. She has a black lacy shirt on and her hair is in a ponytail.

Text reading: “I think we also need employers to fix their internal structures…There’s no point in having someone who works with disability within your organisation if they can't actually get in the door, if they can't apply for annual leave or they can't read their payslips, because the systems are not accessible.” Nas Campanella. And a photo of Nas Campanella sitting on a garden bench. She is wearing a floral dress and surrounded by greenery.

Text reading: “A lot of it is journalism, but a lot of it is also just basic humanity of care, compassion, and ensuring that people feel comfortable and safe and confident when we do interviews or when we film together, and that they know what they're in for when they say yes.” Nas Campanella. And a photo of Nas Campanella, a woman standing upright in a dark blue dress.

International Women’s Day: Spotlight on Nas Campanella.

This International Women’s Day , Powerd is shining a spotlight on some remarkable women with disabilities who have made a positive impact across their chosen fields of interest.

Read more: https://loom.ly/MFc_qEo

Text reading: Government invests $5 million in disability led research. And a photo of Jen Hardgrave, a smiling woman with glasses and a long sleeved green shirt.

Text reading: “We’re building the evidence base to design services that promote safety and independence, centred around the needs of people with disability.” Minister for the NDIS, Jenny McAllister. And a photo of Jenny McAllister Minister for NDIS a smiling woman in a red jacket and black shirt.

Text reading: “It makes the impact stronger because people with disabilities are going to see themselves in the work more, and it helps answer…some really big knowledge gaps that we have…about Australians with disabilities.”  Jen Hargrave. And a photo of Jen Hardgrave, a smiling woman with glasses and a long sleeved green shirt.

Text reading: “It's a really good opportunity for the community to learn…how to authentically engage and work together to do research that's focused on the priorities of people with disability.” Professor Christine Imms. And a photo of Professor Christine Imms, a smiling woman with curly hair.

Government invests $5 million in disability led research.

The Minister claims that the funds will help create and navigate clear pathways for emerging researchers with disability.

Read more: https://loom.ly/o9xwRtM

Text reading: Cripping Time as a Verb. And a photo of Jasper Peach in a denim jacket with a red, black, and white scarf around their neck.

Black text on a peach background: “Managing a combination of crip time and linear time in life as a creative sole trader is a daily challenge. I am beholden to corporate and capitalist expectations because I live in a house, have a family to feed and I am a contributing member of my communities.” Jasper Peach

Text reading “It can feel so small sometimes, the tug away from our own rhythms toward the arbitrary. So insignificant, something we tell ourselves doesn’t really matter. But it’s the sustained expectation that we turn from our own needs that does the most damage. Crip time means assessing my capacity at timeframes that make sense to me.” Jasper Peach. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a green shirt with pink short hair. In the background are parts of the set of Unmasked, pink and sparkly and lots going on, many textures and comfy chairs.

Cripping Time as a Verb.

Crip time means this precious resource - our time as members of humanity - is elastic instead of rigid.

Read more: https://loom.ly/x9GZiHk

Text reading: Making Waves - Blind competitive sailor, and a photo of James Hunter, steering a boat.

Text reading: You have to be honest about yourself. You have to be honest with what your limitations and capabilities are, and then you work out ways to build that team that will allow you to undertake one of the world's great ocean races and, you know, challenge yourselves in ways unimaginable in everyday working life. James Hunter”

Text reading: For anyone that has lost their sight, there is the challenge of the actual loss of sight, and that's that's painful. It involves a lot of self-doubt and the like, but me, I think the big challenge was… it's the the way in which you view self and how you actually address the change that's going on emotionally and cognitively. James Hunter. And a photo of the boat racing team posing for a photo in coordinated polo tops and assorted mobility and vision aids.

Making Waves - Blind competitive sailor

James Hunter is a blind sailor who competes in ocean races like the Sydney to Hobart. He is also a volunteer with the Making Waves Foundation, opening up opportunities for people with disability to sail competitively.

Read more: https://loom.ly/j8Udu6k

Text reading: Disability and Desire with Patrick Rory-John. And a photo of Patrick Rory John, a psychotherapist, on a high balcony wearing a black top and necklace.

Text reading: Psychologically speaking, gender identity and sexuality are core parts of how we understand ourselves. And I think, you know, it makes a lot of sense. We like to put things in categories. You know, male, female, black, white. It makes things make more sense. For me, I simply see myself as as Pat and I express myself without any sort of consideration of the binary of male and female, and that's what feels most comfortable for me.

Text reading: “Dating, relationships, sex ... is already awkward as it is. When we add in inaccessible venues, transport issues, the challenges that come with being vision impaired or having a disability, it creates a lot of blockages to people feeling comfortable talking about something that is not really accessible to them.” Patrick Rory-John. And a photo of Patrick Rory John, a psychotherapist, on a high balcony wearing a black top and necklace.

Disability and Desire with Patrick Rory-John.

Sam Rickard and Lizzie Eastham spoke to Patrick Rory-John in a wide-ranging interview covering identity, disability, and sexuality.

With thanks to Vision Australia for letting us share this interview.

Read more: https://loom.ly/rM3z1D0

Text reading: Heywire recipients speak about acquiring a disability. And a photo of Justice, a smiling young woman in a white shirt and dark vest.

Text reading: “When I'm walking around, I always run into door frames and if anyone comes from my left side, I get startled.” Whether or not her sight returns, Justice says she’s been able to adapt to her surroundings. “I've gotten used to it. I'm happy.” And a photo of Justice, a smiling young woman in a white shirt and dark vest.

Text reading: 18-year-old Queensland tradesman, Declan, explains how he was just two years old when he lost several fingers in wood chipping accident. “I've grown up with it. I can adapt to pretty much whatever's thrown my way.” And a photo of Declan, a smiling young man in a black t-shirt.

Heywire recipients speak about acquiring a disability.

Powerd sat down with some of this year’s winners to discuss the experiences young people with disability face in regional and remote areas.

Read more: https://loom.ly/SY4BVms

Text reading: This Valentine’s Day, give that love to yourself. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a long black dress with a corset belt, and lacy sleeves, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick, seated in her wheelchair in Japan.

Text reading: We get conditioned to believe romantic love is the be all and end all. But . . . could you imagine if we were instead conditioned to give that love to ourselves? Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a long black dress with a corset belt, and lacy sleeves, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick on a beach in Japan.

Text reading: Loving yourself . . . well, I think that’s sadly one of the hardest things to do. Especially in this world. But loving yourself can be revolutionary. It can be healing. Eye-opening. And . . . devastating. Particularly to realise how long I carried the stories of other people about myself. Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, a white woman with pink hair and pink cardigan, holds up a clapperboard.

Text reading: I wish we taught self-love like we are taught other things. It can be so powerful. And even though I don’t think there will come a day when I don’t struggle, I’m doing better than I was. And when things are hard, I double down more on loving myself. Zoe Simmons. And a photo of Zoe, who has pale skin, and long pink hair, wearing a black dress, while holding a black and pink floral walking stick.

This Valentine’s Day, give that love to yourself.

CW: full post contains reference to death.

In popular culture, there is a lot of emphasis on finding love and “the one”—and we’re made to feel lesser, or not enough if we don’t have that...

Read more: https://loom.ly/hx2oJmA

Text reading: Disabled children aren’t burdens. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral shirt dress, and sea green undershirt.

Text reading: The public’s response to the Mosman Park suspected murder-suicide was shocking. Thousands of people empathised with the Clune boys’ parents, excusing their murders in public comments on news outlets’ and disability advocates’ social media posts. Parent bloggers wrote long posts about how hard it is to parent disabled children. Carly Findlay. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral dress, and light green undershirt.

Text reading: There’s no denying that parenting a disabled child is hard and that more support is needed - urgently. The system failed the Clune boys, and is failing so many disabled children and adults and their families. But these comments are saying the quiet part out loud. That disabled people are seen as a burden; that we are too much; and that we don’t deserve to live with dignity, safety and choice. Carly Findlay. And a photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral dress, and light undershirt.

Text reading: The recent murder-suicide, and the comments justifying it, show that we’ve still got such a long way to go until disabled people are seen as worthy of living. This shouldn’t be a radical concept. And yet, it is, because of how the world sees us. Carly Findlay. And a close up photo of Carly, a smiling woman with red skin and dark curly hair, wearing a floral top and a purple jacket with a blue bird pin.

Disabled children aren’t burdens.

CW: this post contains reference to murder.

In the days following the Mosman Park suspected murder-suicide, the social media commentary told us that most people think disabled people are burdensome.

Read more: https://loom.ly/DOA6-Z8

Text reading: What we need from the next stage of Foundational Supports. And a photo of Kate Wood a person with medium length brown hair, holding a black dog.

Text reading: I have been rejected for the NDIS three times. My concern is that the NDIS does not understand mental illness. When applying you are asked to pick the “most impactful” illness. We are told to stop after three. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t just give you only three illnesses and stop. Kate Wood. And a photo of Kate Wood, a person with medium length brown hair, looking off to her left.

Black text on a purple background: An NDIS application also requires you to identify which diagnosis causes which symptoms, something that is impossible with complex mental illness. Illnesses exacerbate each other.

Text reading: If the new Foundational Supports program is to work then it must be built on a fundamental rethink of the way the NDIA understands what mental illnesses are, how these conditions are experienced by real people, and how multiple diagnoses interact with one another. Simply moving people that are not properly understood from Box A to Box B, where they will be handled by different people who still don’t understand their needs will be of little help. And a photo of Kate Wood, a person with medium length brown hair, looking off to her right.

What we need from the next stage of Foundational Supports.

I recently spent four weeks as a psychiatric inpatient, and much conversation between patients was about the NDIS and our difficulties in accessing it.

Read more: https://loom.ly/q7CtCDo

#MentalHealth #FoundationalSupports #NDIS

Text reading: Heywire winner calls for overhaul of bias in women’s healthcare. And a photo of Emily W, a young woman with soft red hair.

Black text on a light brown background: “I was diagnosed as a teenage girl and told that it was anxiety or IBS. There's a massive culture of brushing off women's pain instead of actually finding the cause and treating the problem.” Emily W, Heywire Winner

Text reading: “All over Australia, regional or metropolitan…there seems to be a lack of education and awareness, even with doctors who are fully aware of the condition. There's a massive bias and a massive stereotyping.” Emily W, Heywire Winner. And a photo of Emily W, a young woman with soft red hair.

Heywire winner calls for overhaul of bias in women’s healthcare.

Powerd sat down with one of this year’s winners to discuss the experiences young people with disability face in regional and remote areas.

Read more: https://loom.ly/vwQqAIk

Text reading: NDIS minister reveals plan for future foundational supports. Mark Butler, Minister for NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with greying hair wearing a dark suit jacket and dark grey tie.

Text reading: “There were…as many as 230,000 mainly adults living with severe and chronic mental illness not receiving any support either through the NDIS or other psycho-social programs run by the Commonwealth or state and territory governments.” Mark Butler, Minister for the NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: “(NDIS) Growth should be something like health inflation plus a measure for population growth and population ageing, which I quantified as five to six per cent.” Mark Butler, Minister for the NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking in Parliament.

Black text on a vibrant blue background: “Timelines must be readiness-based, not date-based.” Jenny Karavolos, Australian Autism Alliance. “These reforms are required in parallel so people with disability can access support outside the NDIS and avoid growing service gaps and inequity in different jurisdictions.” DRO Statement

NDIS minister reveals plan for future foundational supports.

The disability community has finally been given a glimpse of what Foundational Supports could look like beyond the government’s delivery of Thriving Kids.

Read more: https://loom.ly/wCeejg8

#ThrivingKids #FoundationalSupports #NDIS

Text reading: Government releases Thriving Kids Advisory Group report. And a photo of Professor Frank Oberklaid, an older white man in a dark suit jacket and dark tie.

Text reading: “The advisory group has reviewed the evidence for what constitutes best practice, broadly consulted on strategy with professionals across the whole range of disciplines, as well as families with lived experience.” Professor Frank Oberklaid. And a photo of Professor Frank Oberklaid, an older white man in a dark suit jacket and dark tie.

Text reading: “The advice of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group reinforces the opportunity we have as a nation to deliver better outcomes for children…Thriving Kids will empower and support families early in a child’s developmental journey with tailored supports in community settings.” Mark Butler, Minister for NDIS. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with greying hair wearing a dark suit jacket and dark grey tie.

Black text on a seafoam green background: The national rollout will now commence on 1 October 2026, with full implementation expected by 1 January 2028. “I am confident that the Thriving Kids model provides a sound framework for how best to support children and their families to achieve the best possible opportunities for children to thrive.” Professor Frank Oberklaid

Government releases Thriving Kids Advisory Group report.

Co-Chair of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group, Professor Frank Oberklaid AM, claims the process for developing the revised Thriving Kids model was very comprehensive.

Read more: https://loom.ly/cm7XwEc

#ThrivingKids #NDIS #Auspol

Image description: Ableism in disability organisations. And a photo of Laura Pettenuzzo smiling into the camera.

Black text on a watermelon background: You’re not supporting us if you ignore respectful feedback about access barriers. You’re not supporting us if your consultation process is restricted to people who can attend in person sessions, who don’t need breaks or Easy Read or any other adjustments. You’re not supporting us if you refuse to remunerate us for our expertise, adequately or at all.

Text reading: When it comes down to it, we’re not asking for much. Just respect and our basic human rights. Maybe one day we’ll have a more accessible and inclusive disability sector. Until then, I’ll keep writing and advocating. If you’re reading this, I hope you will too. And a photo of Laura Pettenuzzo smiling into the camera sitting outside in her wheelchair.

Ableism in disability organisations.

Some of the most ableist behaviour I’ve witnessed happened in disability organisations. Ableism of all kinds hurts. But I’ve found that it hurts more when it comes from the organisations that purportedly exist to support us.

Read more: https://loom.ly/FEZFJ30

Text reading: Government invests in expansion of motor neurone disease research. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket.

Text reading: “Motor neurone disease is one of the most harrowing conditions we face. It is progressive, fatal, and there is no known cure. We want to accelerate the development and delivery of effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for MND.” Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing. And an image of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: The network’s namesake, Neale Daniher AO, was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Honoured as 2025’s Australian of the Year, in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for MND research, Mr Daniher believes the funding commitment from the Albanese Government is a powerful step forward in eradicating the disease. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket. He is on an awards stage with the Prime Minster, Anthony Albanese, and a woman in a navy dress holding an award.

Text reading: “This investment isn’t for my benefit. It’s about laying the foundations, so others don’t have to go through what I have.” Neale Daniher AO. And a photo of Neale Daniher, a smiling person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket. He is on an awards stage with the Prime Minster, Anthony Albanese, and a woman in a navy dress holding an award.

Government invests in expansion of motor neurone disease research. People living with motor neurone disease could soon have broader access to clinical trials, following the government's decision to invest more than $40 million dollars into treating the condition.

Read more: https://loom.ly/75UgGN8

Text reading: Government looks to delay Thriving Kids. And an image of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium.

Text reading: Thriving Kids was announced last August under the Foundational Supports umbrella as an alternative supportive system to the NDIS for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability, after the age limit to access NDIS was increased. And an image of Mark Butler in a white shirt and dark suit jacket.

Text reading: Sue Olney (University of Melbourne), told Powerd Media in 2024 that it was her understanding that Foundational Supports would be a mix of general and targeted assistance, aiming to meet the needs of people with disability who might not qualify for the NDIS. And an image of Sue Olney, a smiling woman with glasses and short grey hair.

Black text on a red background: Given there are 5.5 million people in Australia living with disability, only 751,400 people were reported to be benefiting from the NDIS as of September 2025, this has left many within the wider community with more questions than answers as to where their supports are and when they will be delivered.

Government looks to delay Thriving Kids.

Many in the Autistic community are likely feeling frustrated by the latest development in the Thriving Kids debacle as the Labour government looks at delaying rollout by three months.

Read more: https://loom.ly/uX84RFs

#NDIS #AusPol #FoundationalSupports

Text reading: Australia Day awards honours disability sector. And a photo of Eliza Hul, who is looking directly at the camera. Her hair is long and lightly curled, and she is wearing a black top.

White text on a light blue background: Advocates within the disability sector have been honoured as part of Australia Day celebrations. This year’s awards acknowledged the impact of the recipient’s passion and advocacy for the rights of people living with disability.

Text reading: New South Wales athlete Kelly Wren was presented with her AM for significant service to tennis, to basketball, and to athletes with an intellectual disability. And a photo of Kelly Wren, a smiling woman with long red hair wearing a green and grey tennis jacket.

Text reading: Mr Paul Marcus Crake (pictured), Mr Ernest William Drew, and Mr Anthony David Rice were presented with their OAMs for services to people with disability. And a photo of Paul Crake, a pale white man wearing a light blue polo shirt.

Advocates within the disability sector have been honoured as part of Australia Day celebrations across the country, with architects, sportspeople & health experts among those recognised for their contributions.

A huge congratulations to all honourees.

Read more: https://loom.ly/0iSLDxg

Text reading: UN review urges Australia to adopt Human Rights Act. And a photo of President Hugh de Kretser looking into the camera, he has grey hair, black glasses, and is wearing a light blue business shirt with a tan jacket.

Black text on a green background: “A Human Rights Act would require our national government to protect people’s rights. It would prevent human rights violations and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached.”Hugh de Kretser, Australian Human Rights Commission President

Text reading: “As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia should be leading the world on human rights.” Hugh de Kretser, Australian Human Rights Commission President. And a photo of President Hugh de Kretser looking into the camera, he has grey hair, black glasses, and is wearing a light blue business shirt with a tan jacket.

UN review urges Australia to adopt Human Rights Act.

Over 120 countries have made more than 350 recommendations, urging the Australian government to improve its protection of human rights.

Read more: https://loom.ly/9hpgdXo