Some of Our Parts

About the National Autism Strategy

The National Autism Strategy has been developed through a comprehensive co-design process.

The strategy sets out the vision for a safe and inclusive society for all Autistic people. One where we support and empower Autistic people to thrive, in all aspects of life. This is in line with international human rights.

The strategy is a framework for improving outcomes for all Autistic people in the years ahead. It includes a vision, goal and guiding principles.

The strategy focuses on actions and enabling change in four key outcome areas:

• Social inclusion
• Economic inclusion
• Diagnosis, services and supports
• Health and mental health via the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People (the Autism Health Roadmap).

The Strategy will be supported by the National Autism Strategy First Action Plan 2025-26 (Action Plan).

The Action Plan builds on what we heard through the national consultation process and the work of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and supporting Working Groups.

For more information visit the Department of Social Services website: https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategy

Accessible Pathways: A Graduate Recruitment Guide for Students with Disabilities

Monash Career Connect is thrilled to announce the launch of the Accessible Pathways: A Graduate Recruitment Guide for Students with Disabilities module, now available on the Career Connect Moodle site!

This essential resource is designed to support students with disabilities as they navigate the graduate recruitment process.

This Module Covers:

• Applying for jobs with a disability
• Sharing disability information with employers
• Accessing workplace support
• Tips for the first year of employment

This is the result of Career Connect’s collaborative effort with the Australian Disability Network, Disability Support Services (DSS), Gradwise, and Disability Confident Recruiters from the AAGE.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their valuable insights during the round tables.

Monash Graduate Research Equity Supplement

This is a top-up scholarship supplement intended to assist with extra expenses a Graduate Research student with a disability or long-term medical condition incurs during the pursuit of their degree.

This is a one-off award intended for use by the recipient to support these extra expenses directly related to their research undertaking.

• Expenses unrelated to the pursuit of research will not be covered (such as vehicle, medical costs, etc.) Applicants must clearly state how their research will benefit from the supplement if awarded.

Extra expenses May Include:

• travel by taxi or modified vehicle
• attendant care on campus
• purchase of specialised adaptive technology
• library assistance (i.e. searching, scanning, photocopying and carrying materials)
• research material in a format other than ordinary print (i.e. large print, audio-type)
• communication in other than oral mode (i.e. written, interpreter, computer with voice synthesizer)

Click here for more information about the Graduate Research Equity Supplement

Announcement of the 2022 Review of the Transport Standards

The Australian Government has published the 2022 Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) Final Report and Government Response.

The Final Report and Government Response, including a summary available in Auslan and Easy Read, is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport-standards-review.

More than 1000 participants, including people with disability, disability representative organisations, public transport operators and providers and government contributed to the 2022 Review through a range of consultation events and activities including surveys, webinars, focus groups and written submissions.

The experiences shared through consultations provide invaluable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards in supporting accessible public transport networks across Australia and in removing discrimination against people with disability. The Government thanks everyone who contributed to the 2022 Review.

Opportunities for Action

The 2022 Review Final Report identifies six opportunities for action – covering matters related to:

• Increasing public awareness
• Improving compliance and enforcement
• The need for further reform across the public transport network
• The importance of engaging people with disability in the design and implementation of public transport services.

Some of these opportunities are being addressed in whole or in part through the implementation of the Transport Standards reform package, announced on 20 March 2024. The reforms will modernise the Transport Standards and their supporting material to ensure they remain efficient and effective in removing discrimination against people with disability.

Many of the issues relating to air travel that were highlighted through the 2022 Review are being addressed through the Aviation White Paper, which sets out the Government’s vision for Australia’s aviation sector to 2050. This includes initiatives to deliver an accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability.

The new aviation standards will strengthen and affirm the rights of people with disability during air travel and affirm the obligations that airlines and airports have to provide equal access. The Australian Government will co-design the standards with people with disability and consult industry on the draft standards in 2025.

To stay up to date and for more information, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/transportaccessibility.

Work Integrated Learning Focus Group / Survey – Participants Wanted!

We are aiming to improve the participation rates of tertiary students in work integrated learning (WIL) (also referred to as internships, placements, industry experience/immersion or work experience).

Our research focuses on enhancing work integrated learning (WIL) to better cater to students with disabilities.

We want to hear from you whether you have participated in WIL or not.

The aim is to get a better understanding of your needs to undertake an internship as tertiary student.

While we are specifically interested in hearing from students who identify as neurodiverse, we are interested to hear from any student who has a disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed).

You do not have to be registered with your university’s disability support services to participate in this study.

Participation in this study is anonymous and will not affect your access to DSS.

• Access the Explanatory Statement here

Survey

You can complete a voluntary 20-minute survey and share what would help you to participate in WIL or what has / hasn’t worked for you during an internship placement.

Your responses are anonymous, and we appreciate your honest feedback.

All participants will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card for their time completing the survey.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the following survey:

• Access the survey here

Focus Groups and Interviews

In mid to late April 2025, we are running 45-minute focus groups or interviews.

All participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time. Light refreshments will also be provided for participants attending in person.

If you’re interested in participating, please register your interest:

• Sign up for a focus group / interview here

If you feel this research topic is important, please consider sending the survey link or focus group /interview invitation to others who you believe may be interested.

• This project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee, project ID: 41230 Human-centred design to improve work-integrated learning for students with a disability.

If you have further questions, please contact Dr Rosemarie Herbert (Chief Investigator) via email: rosemarie.herbert@monash.edu

Career Connect – Recruitment Ready Week 2024

From 18th-20th November 2024, Career Connect is hosting a series of events, panels, and workshops focused on essential recruitment skills and job-hunting strategies!

This week offers primarily online events, where students will gain practical tools and strategies to land a job confidently following graduation.

• Check out the full program of events visit: www.monash.edu/recruitment-ready

Department of Social Services 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program

Want to start a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service?

Would you like the opportunity to play a role in helping improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities?

Are you looking for a supportive workplace?

The Department of Social Services (the Department) 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program is an employment entry program, open for applications from people living with disability.

It is designed to create pathways into secure, ongoing employment within the Department and the broader Australian Public Service (APS).

Employment in the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program is expected to commence in July 2025.

Participants working in the Department commence at the APS 3.1 classification with a starting salary from $69,553 per annum (full-time). Upon successful completion of all program requirements, at the end of the 12-month program, may advance to the APS 4.1 classification.

About the Ability Apprenticeship Program:

• the program is scheduled to start mid – 2025 for a duration of 12 months
• a rewarding introduction to working in government and being part of the Australian Government’s social policy agenda
• receive workplace learning and individualised flexible training, development and support options
• positions are mostly located in our National Office in Canberra, with some in other State offices
• the department will provide reasonable workplace adjustments to enable you to perform at your full capability
• as well as employment with the Department of Social Services, successful applicants may be offered a similar employment opportunity in another Australian Public Service agency.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

• The positions in this program are specifically for people with disability
• Must be an Australian citizen
• Must be at least 18 years old

• Apply online: dss.gov.au/abilityprogram
• Applications close 17 December 2024
• For more information AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au

Welcome to the MATT Open Day!

• Friday, October 25 from 2 – 5pm
• 13 Rainforest Walk Clayton Campus

Hosted by the Monash Assistive Tech Team (MATT), this event highlights projects designed to improve the lives of underserved communities.

• Explore hands-on demonstrations, hear from students about their cutting-edge research, and connect with industry leaders, academics, and fellow students.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with impactful tech, discover collaboration opportunities, and learn how students are making a difference.

Whether you’re from the industry, a student, or faculty, we look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event!

• The event is open to all Monash students and staff.
• We will be showcasing 11 exciting accessibility-related projects that our team has been working on over the past couple of semesters, and this is a great opportunity for students and staff to connect around similar goals and topics. 
• To see a list of our projects, visit monatt.org

Please find the links to free tickets below:

• Monash Students
• Monash Staff

Peer-Researchers Required for a Research Project on Invisible Disabilities in Higher Education

Call for expressions of interest for Peer-Researchers for a Research Project on Invisible Disabilities in Higher Education

Project Title:

Enabling Equitable Learning Approaches for Students with Invisible Disabilities in Higher Education

About the Project

With funding support from the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) Large Grant Scheme, this exciting research project aims to develop equitable learning approaches tailored specifically for students with invisible disabilities in higher education.

The goal is to ensure that educational environments are inclusive and supportive, recognising the unique challenges faced by students with invisible disabilities.

The aim is to employ two passionate and committed students currently enrolled in an Australian university who identify as having one or more invisible disabilities. This is a 120-day contract over a 12-month period at a rate commensurate with HEW level 5.

Role and Responsibilities

As a peer-researcher, you will:

• Collaborate on background research to inform the project’s direction.
• Co-design surveys, interviews, focus groups and workshops to understand the experiences of students with invisible disabilities and educators in higher education.
• Conduct (with support) interviews, focus groups and deliver collaborative workshops with the Chief Investigators of the project and industry partners.
• Assist in the delivery of workshops aimed at sharing research findings and engaging with the broader academic community.

Benefits

• Be part of a research team that values your input and treats you as a partner.
• Gain experience in academic research, including the design and execution of qualitative research design.
• Develop and enhance skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, survey design, and workshop facilitation.
• Co-author publications that contribute to the academic field of higher education, disability studies, policy and/or law.
• Make a meaningful impact by contributing to the development of equitable learning approaches for students with invisible disabilities.

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled as a post-graduate or undergraduate student at an Australian university. (If undergraduate, preference will be given to students based at the University of Newcastle, NSW, to facilitate on-site mentoring and skill development and to ensure direct supervision and support)
• Identify as having an invisible disability.
• Demonstrated interest in disability studies, higher education, human rights law, policy or related fields.
• Strong written and oral communication and teamwork skills.
• Preference to be given to candidates who are available to commence work in mid-November 2024.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit an expression of interest by 8th November 2024 (Fri).

Your expression of interest should be no more than 500 words and include:

• Your reasons for wanting to join the research team and what you would hope to gain from the experience; and
• Your relevant skills and experience.

In addition to your expression of interest, please also provide:

• Your current academic status (i.e. your program and stage of study);
• A 1–2-page CV; and
• Your academic transcripts.

*Contact Information: For more information or to submit your application, please contact Dr. Stephenson Chow at Stephenson.chow@newcastle.edu.au and Dr Caitlin Mollica at Caitlin.mollica@newcastle.edu.au

(*Note: ‘Invisible disabilities’ is broadly defined to include any disability that may not be immediately noticeable to others, including physical, mental health, and neurological conditions.)

Researcher to Innovator Applications now OPEN!

See your research through a different lens.

The Generator’s Researcher to Innovator program is for Monash researchers, students and staff with a research idea and are interested in uncovering its commercial potential.

This online program promotes researchers at any stage of their career to understand the pathways available at Monash to create real-world impact.

You’ll be challenged to develop an ‘Inventor’s Identity’, understand your target market, define your competitive advantage, and sharpen your skills in communicating the value of your research with clarity and confidence.

• Applications are now open until 3rd November – apply here!