Some of Our Parts

Listening Together Research Project

Researchers at the Australian National University are studying how young people with disability and young carers define good listening, and whether they feel listened to by the organisations and services in their lives.

This project is co-designed with a group of young people with disability and young carers, including Simone Bartram, Talon Cass-Dunbar, Megumi Kawada and Luci McClusky.

Young people with disability and young carers are invited to take part in the research by doing an online survey.

The survey is open until June 20th, 2025.

You can do the survey if you:

1. Are 15 – 29 years old; and
2. Live in Australia; and
3. Identify as a person with disability or a person who looks after (or cares for) another person, such as an elderly family member or a friend with disability.

There are two surveys to choose from. One is shorter than the other, to help ensure accessibility.

• To learn more about the surveys, you can visit the project website.

The survey information sheets (including an Easy English sheet) are on the FAQs page.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Laura and Molly:

• Name: Dr Laura Davy
• Position: Senior Lecturer, Crawford School of Public Policy
• Phone: 02 6125 2558
• Email: Laura.Davy@anu.edu.au

• Name: Ms Molly Saunders
• Position: Research Associate, Crawford School of Public Policy
• Phone: 02 6125 2648
• Email: Molly.Saunders@anu.edu.au

The ethical aspects of this research have been approved by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol H/2024/0988).

Applications Open Now for PACE Mentoring 2025

Be Coached, Connected and Grow in your Career Journey

The Australian Disability Network are thrilled to announce that applications for their highly anticipated PACE Career Mentoring Program are officially open now!

This is a national, free industry career mentoring program that matches people with disability with experienced professionals from leading Australian organisations. The cohort runs from April to August 2025.

You are eligible if you:

• are 18 years old or above
• have any types of disability, mental health condition or chronic illness
• can commit to the program from April to August 2025

How to apply:

AusDN are excited to introduce Mentorloop as the new platform for managing applications for their mentoring program! They believe that Mentorloop will enhance the quality of the program experience for all their participants.

• To apply for the program, sign up and submit an application via the link here.
• Applications close midnight of Sunday, 16th March 2025.

Are you a previous applicant?

You are also required to sign up and complete an application form through the platform. AusDN welcomes you back to the program.

• To find out more about PACE Career Mentoring, join the information session on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 2 – 3pm (AEDT). RSVP via the link here.

UPDDATE: Registration deadline extended!

Registrations have been extended for the PACE Career Mentoring Program Autumn 2025 intake until Friday, 21 February 2025!

• Registrations for the Autumn 2025 intake close on Friday, 21 February 2025, and the next intake (Spring cohort: August – December) will not be opened again until May 2025.

What is included:

• Personalised Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance tailored to your unique career goals and challenges.
• Skill Development: Enhance your professional skills through targeted advice and practical tips from experienced mentors.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network by connecting with mentors and fellow mentees from various industries.
• Career Advancement: Gain insights and strategies to help you navigate your career path and achieve your professional aspirations.
• Long-term Impact: Build a lasting relationship with your mentor that can continue to support your career development even after the program ends.
• Submit a mentee application here!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Check out the website and the Frequently Asked Questions here for more information.
• You can also reach out directly to the Programs Team: Applications@AusDN.org.au or phone 02 8270 92003.
• Reach out to Program Lead Tia Kwan at tia.kwan@ausdn.org.au or 03 7032 3523 to register today before it’s too late!

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.

You are welcome to participate in the 2025 Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities annual conference!

This premier event brings together experts, innovators, and advocates dedicated to improving information accessibility for all.

• Don’t miss out—early-bird registrations are open, offering discounts for those who register by 28 February 2025.

Around the conference theme “Access Unlocked: Innovating for Information Equity”, presenters will explore the dynamics between legislative changes, technological progress, and advocacy efforts that collectively enhance information equity.

Information Equity and Social Justice

The 2025 conference is dedicated to deepening the understanding of information equity as an essential element of social justice. It emphasises the critical need for cross-sector collaboration to overcome the obstacles faced by individuals with print disability and to pave the way for a society where inclusive participation is the norm.

• Visit the website at 2025 Round Table conference to view the full agenda, speaker lineup, and registration details.

Don’t Miss These Keynote Speakers

• Maryanne Diamond, OA, The Road to Marrakesh – History and Relevance of the treaty.
• Carly Iles and Jonathan Craig, V2020A – 25 years of collaboration.
• Professor Gerard Goggin, Disability & Digital Citizenship: Australian Consumers & Citizens with Disability Navigating Digital Society.

And our confirmed Feature speakers:

• Dr Emily White, Accessing the expertise of teachers and people with lived experience to drive innovation in braille literacy assessment and teaching.
• Sonali Marathe, Transforming Access: A Decade of Progress, and What’s Next in Information Accessibility.
• Neil Jarvis and Andrea Arch, Digital Accessibility under the DDA in 2025

Dates

• Australian Braille Authority (ABA) Annual Meeting – Saturday, 24 May 2025.
• Conference Proper – Sunday, 25 May to Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

Registrations

• Early Bird Registrations are open and close on Friday, 28 February 2025

To register please complete the on-line delegate registration form, also accessible via the link on the 2025 Round Table conference page of the Round Table website.

Take advantage of the early-bird registration, available until Friday, 28 February 2025. After this date, standard registration fees will apply.

Conference Updates

Conference updates will be posted to the 2025 conference page on the Round Table website and Round Table mailing list.

The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award

This is a reminder that nominations for this annual award are open. The nomination form and further details can be found on our website by following this link: Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award

2025 GradWISE Industry Accessibility Week

We’re excited to announce that GradWISE’s Industry Accessibility Week is returning in 2025.

This free, online event is a fantastic opportunity for students and recent graduates living with disability, injury and/or illness to engage with leading employers, explore graduate and early career opportunities, and gain skills and information to support their career journey.

Event Details

• Monday 10th February – Thursday 13th February 2025
• 9:30am – 3pm AEDT daily
• Online, MS Teams – Registration required here.

Students and graduates will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from leading employers across diverse industries
• Receive application tips and advice to stand out
• Join lunchtime activities focused on wellbeing

Monash students/graduates can attend sessions that align with their current career goals, making it flexible and impactful for them.

REGISTER HERE

Social Anxiety and Worry Group Programs

The free Social Anxiety group program and Managing Worries and Rumination group program for Monash students has some remaining places available for Semester 1.

• To find out more and submit your expression of interest, please go to this website.

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

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