Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)

📢 Legislative Update: Aged Care Bill 2024 The Aged Care Bill 2024 has passed its third reading in the House, incorporating 66 government amendments and 2 cross-bench amendments. This Bill marks a significant step in updating Australia’s aged care framework, with important implications for people with disability. AFDO's recent submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee outlines critical considerations to ensure the rights, needs, and interests of people with disability are fully represented. 🔗 Read the AFDO Submission here: https://buff.ly/3UICbyW #AgedCareBill2024 #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #AFDO

🚉 Final Reminder: Last Call to Join Research on Crossing Safety for People with Disability! 🚉 Closing tomorrow. AFDO, in partnership with La Trobe University's Centre for Technology Infusion, invites Victorians with physical or sensory disability to participate in two key research studies focused on improving level crossing safety. 🔹 Option 1: Quick Online Questionnaire • Share experiences with railway crossings • Topics cover safety, technology use, and level crossing behaviour • 5 minutes to complete, with an option to participate in a follow-up interview. Take the questionnaire here: https://buff.ly/3YE0teF 🔹 Option 2: On-site Train Station Interviews • Hands-on walkthroughs at a familiar Melbourne station • Discuss real-time safety needs and ideas for crossing improvements • Participants receive $80 per hour + travel allowance 📅 Sign up by Friday, 15 November 2024! To get involved, email Jim.Valavanis@afdo.org.au with a short background and your contact details. Together, let's advance safer crossings for everyone.

Createability Internship Program: Boosting Inclusion in the Creative Industry The NSW Createability Internship program offers invaluable, paid industry experience with organisations including Bus Stop Films, an AFDO member known for their commitment to inclusive filmmaking. This initiative is a great opportunity for emerging artists and creatives with disability to gain hands-on experience, build industry networks, and develop their skills. Why This Matters Programs like Createability enable people with disability to participate fully in the workforce while fostering a more inclusive and diverse arts sector. Internships offer not only skills but also essential industry connections. For people with disability, programs like this help open doors and lay foundations for fulfilling careers. 📌 Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/3YI2QNn #DisabilityInclusion #EqualOpportunity

Evidence to Action: Exploring Evidence to End Restrictive Practices in Australia AFDO supports the ongoing push to end restrictive practices for people with disability. This important event by the NDRP, "Evidence to Action", will delve into evidence-backed approaches that can drive real change and ensure the rights and dignity of all Australians with disability are upheld. Why Attend? • Gain insights from the latest research and evidence • Network with advocates, practitioners, and policymakers • Engage in meaningful discussions to further disability rights Let’s join forces to make a difference! 📅 Event Details: https://buff.ly/4fEJzDk #DisabilityRights #Advocacy #Inclusion

📊 Have Your Say on Employment and Supports for People with Disability! AFDO’s Employment and Employment Supports Survey is now live! This is your chance to share your experiences and help shape the future of inclusive employment in Australia. Your responses will contribute to our ongoing advocacy efforts, ensuring that people with disability have access to the right supports and opportunities in the workforce. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and share it with your networks to help us gather as much feedback as possible. Together, we can drive meaningful change! 🔗 Complete the survey here: https://buff.ly/3AouCqp #InclusiveEmployment #DisabilityRights #AFDO #Advocacy

🚉 Participate in Research to Improve Crossing Safety for People with Disability! 🚉 AFDO, in collaboration with La Trobe University's Centre for Technology Infusion, is seeking participants for two important research studies aimed at enhancing level crossing safety for people with physical or sensory disability in Victoria. 🔹 Option 1: Quick Online Questionnaire • Share your experiences crossing railways • Topics include safety, technology use, and level crossing behaviour • This 5-minute questionnaire also offers the chance to opt into a follow-up interview Take the Questionnaire here: https://buff.ly/48Exmwe 🔹 Option 2: On-site Train Station Interviews • Walkthroughs and discussions at a familiar train station of your choice in Melbourne • Sessions will explore your needs and ideas for crossing safely with real-time information • Participants receive $80 per hour, plus travel allowance 📅 Sign up by Friday, 15 November 2024! Interested? Email Jim.Valavanis@afdo.org.au with a brief background and your contact details. Let’s work together to make crossings safer!

AFDO is proud to welcome our new member, Settlement Services International (SSI). With a commitment to inclusive services for people with disability, SSI brings valuable expertise and support to our community. We look forward to working together to champion disability rights and inclusion. Learn more about SSI’s impactful work: https://buff.ly/48y33Ht #DisabilityAdvocacy #Inclusion #AFDO

🌟 We want to hear from YOU!🌟 Do you shop at Woolies and have a disability? Want to work at Woolworths or have previous work experience in retail as a person with disability? If you’ve answered yes to one or both questions, we’d love you to submit an Expression of Interest to join one of our online focus groups to share your experiences and ideas! 🗓️ When: Dates in mid November to mid December 2024, during and after business hours (AEDT) 📍 Where: Online, via Zoom 🎁 Perks: Selected participants will be paid $60 per hour for their time! Spots are limited, so sign up today. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/4ebOgUl

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released new quarterly data on Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework. This update, including data from the 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing, and Carers, reflects both progress and ongoing challenges for people with disability in Australia. Key data highlights: - Accessibility is improving, with 74% of people with disability reporting no difficulty accessing buildings or facilities, up from 69% in 2018. - Education access is advancing, with Year 12 completion rates rising to 58% in 2022. However, some indicators reveal persistent issues, such as unmet needs for hospital admission and a decrease in public transport accessibility. These figures highlight the importance of targeted actions to address gaps and ensure inclusive, accessible environments for all. AFDO remains committed to advocating for meaningful improvements across all areas affecting people with disability. For more information, visit https://buff.ly/3O9vjXT #DisabilityAdvocacy #Inclusion #Accessibility

As advocates in the disability sector, our collective efforts drive change. Let’s highlight our progress! What’s a recent achievement your organisation is proud of in supporting disability rights or inclusion? Let’s share and learn from one another. #DisabilityAdvocacy #CommunityVoices #AFDO