Some of Our Parts

Digital Access News: Vision Australia April 2025

Making PDF Documents Accessible

When creating accessible PDFs, don’t forget to check and set the correct reading order.

Unlike web pages, PDFs don’t automatically follow a logical reading sequence for screen readers and other assistive technologies.

What looks visually organised on the page might be read in a completely different order by screen readers, causing confusion for users.

In Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can check the reading order by using the Tags panel or the Reading Order tool.

In the Tags panel, expand group-level tags (e.g. article <Art>) to reveal the block-level tags. As you navigate through the tags, the tagged content is outlined in the document pane, showing you exactly how content will be read.

Using the down arrow key is a quick way to move through the tags.

Taking a few minutes to verify and fix the reading order can dramatically improve the experience for people using assistive technologies.

Making Video Content Accessible

From captioning to visual clarity, are your videos reaching everyone they could be?

This article from Vision Australia breaks down seven practical techniques to make your video content more accessible, benefiting not just viewers with disabilities but improving the experience for your entire audience.

Learn how to create quality captions, optimise audio, ensure visual clarity, and more in this essential read for content creators.

Read about video accessibility here

Help Us Explore Sensory Safe Spaces in VR!

Are you neurodivergent and find that you seek out safe spaces where you can control sensory input?

At busy places like university, it can be difficult!

We’re developing sensory-friendly environments in virtual reality (VR) that people can take anywhere.

We are currently conducting usability testing and we’d love your feedback!

What’s involved?

• Roam around a customisable VR space designed to help create a sensory-safe experience.
• Afterward, you’ll participate in a short interview and complete a questionnaire.
• Total time: 50 minutes.

We’re looking for participants who:

• Are neurodivergent with sensory disorders related to sight or sound.
• Do not have vision impairments or a history of motion sickness in VR.
• Your input will help shape future VR applications designed for sensory comfort and inclusion!

Interested?

For more details or to sign up, please contact Arbab Ahmed at:
📧 aahm0045@student.monash.edu
📞 +61 483 043 267

MUHREC Project ID: 45026

Project Title: Safe Spaces: Immersive environments that accommodate safety and wellbeing

*This research has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee

2026 Policy Futures Graduate Program – Applications Closing Soon!

Applications for the 2026 Policy Futures Graduate Program are still open and close at 9am on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

Policy Futures offers a specific career pathway for candidates with a disability.

• If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team via email at policyfuturesgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au

A career in public policy is all about tackling real-world challenges, shaping decisions, and making a difference in people’s lives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher between 31 October 2022 and 31 January 2025
• Have unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Be willing to relocate to Brisbane

Who We’re Looking For

We recruit graduates from all backgrounds and disciplines with a genuine desire to make a difference to Queensland.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• are a collaborative team player
• have strong communication skills
• are passionate about our community
• are adaptable and resilient
• have a passion for learning and a desire to continuously improve

Our Selection Process

• Apply online
• Complete online testing
• Undertake online assessments
• Participate in an assessment centre
• Wait for an offer

As a policy professional, graduates work on issues that matter – whether it’s climate change, housing, health, education, or economic development.

Their job will be to research, analyse, and develop solutions that inform government decisions and drive positive change for Queensland communities.

A career in policy is dynamic and deeply rewarding. If you are passionate about driving change and solving big-picture challenges, Policy Futures is your ideal launchpad!

APPLY NOW!

The 2025 Young Carer Scholarship Program – Apply Now!

Over 62,400 young people in Victoria are believed to have significant care responsibilities.

They may support their mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent at home who have a disability, chronic illness, experience mental ill health or addiction or with aging care needs.

Many are at risk of dropping out of school or have difficulty maintaining social networks and participating in activities with their peers.

Carers Victoria’s Young Carer Scholarship program gives young carers attending secondary school the opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions to their family and the community.

It offers opportunities to participate in school or community-based activities that enhance their skills, educational achievement and abilities, or that help them to participate more fully in their community.

Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to successful applicants.

Who Can Apply

Young Carer Scholarships are open to secondary school students who live or go to school in Victoria and provide care and support to a family member with an illness or disability.

Please read the Young Carer Scholarship Program Guidelines to check you are eligible.

• Please note the number of scholarships awarded is dependent on the amount of funding available. Those who receive a 2025 Carers Australia Young Carer Bursary will not be eligible.

How To Apply

To apply please complete and submit the application form here.

• Please note, application is online and through Carers Victoria’s grants administration system – SmartyGrants.

Graduate Programs Available April 2025

Students Note: there are many government graduate programs open for applications right now – in April 2025.

Please see the links below:

• 2026 Telstra Graduate Program ( closing on 2 Apr 2025 11:59pm)
• 2026 Department of Home Affairs Graduate Development Program (no closing date identified on the website, but it could be early April)
• Victorian Government Graduate Program 2026 (closing on 27 Apr 2025)
• 2026 Australian Government Graduate Programs (different closing days for multiple streams, 14 April is the most common day)

You are also encouraged to browse graduate programs on Prosple Australia and GradConnection.

*Our thanks to Jia from Monash Career Connect for providing this list

Monash Career Connect, GradWISE and Australian Disability Network Information Session

Are you ready to find out how to advance your future career?

You’re invited to come along to our Monash Career Connect, GradWISE, and Australian Disability Network Information Session.

The information session for students with disability will be held:

• 11:45 to 13:15
• Thursday March 27, 2025
• Room 1167 Seminar Room, Level 1, Western Annexe, 21 Chancellors Walk, Clayton Campus – Upstairs in the Clayton Campus Centre
• (Please RSVP by Tuesday March 25 for catering purposes)

The Australian Disability Network (AusDN) will provide information on the PACE mentoring program and the Stepping into internship program.

GradWISE has been developed in conjunction with Australian Universities to provide support and improve employment opportunities for students living with a disability, illness or injury.

GradWISE is designed to complement the existing supports provided by Monash to give you a customised coaching program in a one-to-one setting. Their aim is to give you the skills and experience you need to find the perfect graduate role.

They work with you, and their pool of employers, to make the perfect match and provide all the support you need before and during your employment for as long as you need it.

Come to the Information Session to Find Out More!

Monash Career Connect will also be providing an information session outlining the supports already available to Monash students to maximise graduate employment opportunities.

What workshops are available? How can you benefit?

Come along and find out!

We’re really looking forward to the event and hope to see you there!

2026 Policy Futures Graduate Program – applications now open!

Applications for the 2026 Policy Futures Graduate Program are now open and close at 9am Wednesday 9 April 2026

This program is open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines who have graduated or will graduate between 31 October 2023 and 31 January 2026.

• Policy Futures also offers a specific career pathway for candidates with a disability.

We will be hosting information sessions for candidates interested in our careers pathways, where we will share more information about our program, run through the application process and provide information on each phase of the recruitment process.

A career in public policy is all about tackling real-world challenges, shaping decisions, and making a difference in people’s lives.

As a policy professional, graduates work on issues that matter – whether it’s climate change, housing, health, education, or economic development.

Their job will be to research, analyse, and develop solutions that inform government decisions and drive positive change for Queensland communities.

We offer:

Great Employee Benefits

• Competitive pay, superannuation and flexibility are just the beginning

Unique and Diverse Career Opportunities

• Explore your interests. Follow your passion. The career possibilities are endless.

Inclusion for All

• Be valued for your authentic self. Diversity is embraced and celebrated.

Opportunities for You to Grow

• Our program builds the future of policy leaders of Queensland.

Who We’re Looking For

We recruit graduates from all backgrounds and disciplines with a genuine desire to make a difference to Queensland.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• are a collaborative team player
• have strong communication skills
• are passionate about our community
• are adaptable and resilient
• have a passion for learning and a desire to continuously improve.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher between 31 October 2022 and 31 January 2025
• Have unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Be willing to relocate to Brisbane

Career Pathways

As the state’s largest employer, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

Our recruitment process is inclusive and aims to provide all candidates the best opportunity to demonstrate suitability for the program.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Join our award-winning 2-year graduate program and discover where a career in public policy could take you.

Policyfuturesgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au | Policyfuturesyarning@premiers.qld.gov.au

Detailed information about our program can be found on our website.

• If you are interested in working with us, please contact the team via email at policyfuturesgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au.

BAP’s Professional Pathways for Students with Disabilities Event

Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honour society for high-achieving students in accounting, finance, and business information systems.

Founded in 1919, BAP promotes academic excellence, professional development, ethical leadership, and community service.

With over 300 chapters worldwide, it provides members with networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and access to top employers, helping them advance their careers in business and finance.

In 2025, BAP’s Monash chapter is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where all Monash University students—regardless of background, ability, or experience—feel empowered to excel in their career.

Through meaningful professional development, networking opportunities, and community engagement, we strive to create an environment that promotes accessibility, collaboration, and integration for every student.

The BAP Monash team aims to organise an event tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of students with disabilities.

• To register your interest in this event, contact: Shafneen Rahman, BAP Events Director 2025; email: srah0035@student.monash.edu

PACE Career Mentoring Program Information session

Apply early to unlock your potential with Career Mentoring!

Are you ready to take the next step in your career journey?

AusDN’s PACE Career Mentoring Program is here to support and empower you to achieve your professional goals. See below the list of participating organisations!

To find out more about PACE Career Mentoring Program, join the information session #3 on Monday, 24 February 2025 at 2 – 3pm (AEDT). RSVP via the link here.

How to Apply

Applying is easy! Sign up and submit an application via the link here by midnight of Sunday, 16th March 2025.

*Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential and achieve your career goals.

• Are you a previous applicant? You are also required to sign up and complete an application form through the Mentorloop platform. You are welcomed back to the program.

Announcing Participating Organisations!

AusDN are proudly announcing that mentors from the following organisations will be participating in this Autumn 2025 cohort:

• AGL
• Alstom Transport Australia Pty Limited
• ANZ Banking Group Ltd (Aust)
• Australian Federal Police
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
• Coles Group Limited
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources*
• Digital Transformation Agency
• Hanes Australasia Pty Ltd
• Legal Aid Commission of NSW
• Sydney Water

(*First time participating in the program)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Check out our website and the Frequently Asked Questions here for more information.

You can also reach out directly to our Programs Team: Applications@AusDN.org.au or phone 02 8270 92003.

Designing Assistive Technology for Individuals with Pragmatic Conversational Difficulties

This research project aims to design software that assists people who have difficulties engaging in social conversation, as a result of diagnosed pragmatic language difficulties.

Participants Are Wanted Who:

• have been diagnosed with pragmatic language difficulties, leading to difficulties with engaging in social conversations with others
• are aged 18 years or over
• are proficient in reading English, and
• DON’T have difficulties with understanding syntax and grammar.

Participants will be interviewed in two sessions via virtual meeting (with the first session about 30 to 40 minutes long, and the second session about 30 to 60 minutes long) to provide input towards the design of the software.

• You may be asked questions about how difficulties with social conversation impacts on your daily life.
• You will be offered an electronic gift voucher valued at $50 after the first interview session, and another electronic gift voucher valued at $75 after the second interview session, to compensate you for your time.

If you are interested in participating, please contact research team member Mathew Lim at mathew.lim1@monash.edu.

• Project Title: Designing Assistive Technology for Individuals with Pragmatic Conversational Difficulties
• This research project has Human Research Ethics approval – Project ID: 45273