ACCAN (Australian Communications Consumer Action Network) has developed Accessible Telecoms.
It is an extremely useful free service to find independent and up-to-date information on telecommunication products and services that are suitable for seniors and people with disabilities.
On the website you can access information on topics such as:
https://www.accessibletelecoms.org.au
When I finished my accountancy degree in 2010, I couldn’t begin to imagine the challenges I would face trying to secure work as a graduate with a disability or that it would take three years before I secured meaningful employment. I ‘ve had a colourful and varied career journey since then, owning three businesses and experiencing a multitude of highs and lows. Which is why, when I first heard about the YConnect program (which is delivered by YWCA Australia) in late 2021, I instantly recognised the need for the program and the positive influence it could have on employment for people with disability.
The YWCA YConnect program assists women and gender diverse people living with a disability to achieve their career development goals by participating in a range of professional development activities including networking opportunities, career counselling sessions, classes and workshops. YConnect also works with the business community to actively tackle the myths and fears associated with employing people with disability. The programs offered by YWCA Australia’s YConnect have been developed based on consultations with our participants. The programs offered cover topics such as; how to dress for work, basic, intermediate and advanced computer skills, your rights and responsibilities in the workplace, bullying, how to talk to your employer about your needs, how to create a LinkedIn profile and much more. We’ve even offered a series of workshops on what you need to consider when starting your own business.
Had this program been available 10 years earlier, I have no doubt that it would have assisted me in my employment journey. In addition to being a part of the organising committee and a facilitator and/or co-facilitator of many of the workshops, I’ve personally gained great value by joining some of the workshops as a participant, particularly the bullying workshop. Sadly, like many workers with a disability, I have experienced workplace bullying and the topics covered in the bullying workshop gave me a better understanding of the warning signs to look for when faced with these issues and more importantly where to go for help.
Whilst the YWCA Australia YConnect program is currently only available to those living in the Toowoomba region, it would be great to see it expanded nationwide. The issue of disability employment is not confined to a single region and it would be great to see this fabulous program available to more people.
PHOTO ABOVE: The YWCA Australia YConnect Advisory Committee – (Left to Right): Tanja, Laura, Alyce, Francene
“The Australian Government’s Digital ID app is now known as myID.
It has a new name and new look, but how you use it remains the same.
What you need to know
There’s nothing you need to do.
You still have:
While we transition, you may see references to both myID and myGovID.
Why the change
The change aims to reduce the ongoing confusion between the app’s previous name ( myGovID) and myGov.
The new name for the Australian Government Digital ID app reflects the community’s evolving understanding of Digital IDExternal link and demonstrates how a whole-of-government ID provider can help protect Australians from identity theft and fraud.
Avoid scams
It is important to be aware of fraudulent websites, apps and phishing scams.
While we transition, you may see references to both myID and myGovID.
You do not need to set up a new myID or reconfirm your details. If you’ve been prompted to go to a website to do so, this is a scam.
Be cautious as scammers can make fake websites or apps that look just like myID or myGovID.
To help protect yourself:
https://www.myid.gov.au/mygovid-now-myid
The effervescent Rayna Lamb was a guest speaker at our Physical Disability Awareness Day’s online DisabiliTEA event on February 2nd 2025.
She shared her story and gave cautionary advice on avoiding burnout and always being mindful of our health and wellbeing.
To watch this great talk, click below
Whilst you’re there, we invite you to subscribe to PDA’s YouTube channel.
The charismatic Peter Tully spoke at this year’s Physical Disability Awareness Day’s online DisabiliTEA event around his personal story and how through sharing our experiences and being involved in co-design can lead to positive change.
To watch this great talk, click below.
Whilst you’re there, we invite you to subscribe to PDA’s YouTube channel.
The fabulous Alyce Nelligan was one of the guest speakers at this year’s Physical Disability Awareness Day’s online DisabiliTEA event.
She shared her story and her thoughts on the importance of days such as mPhysical Disability Awareness Day in bringing about positive change for all people living with disability.
To watch this great talk, click below.
Whilst you’re there, we invite you to subscribe to PDA’s YouTube channel.
#physicaldisabilityawarenessday
On Sunday 2nd February we hosted the 3rd Physical Disability Awareness Day and were incredibly fortunate to have four amazing speakers attend our online DisabiliTEA event.
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM (PDA’s Ambassador) was one of these illustrious guests.
Dinesh Palipana joined us whilst on duty in the A&E Department at Gold Coast University Hospital. He shared his thoughts around his recent 15 year anniversary of becoming a quadriplegic, where he believes things need to change in regards to healthcare and other issues of concern to people living with disability and how we can help to drive positive change.
A big thanks to you Dinesh for joining us on the day and his ongoing support of PDA and Australia’s disability community.
On Sunday 2nd February we celebrated Physical Disability Awareness Day with events throughout Australia and also enjoyed a great turnout at the popular online DisabiliTEA event.
As part of the day’s activities, PDA was invited to be part of a podcast hosted by Kayla Gatt – aka the Natural Naturopath.
PDA’s Melanie Hawkes, Laura Scurr and Robert Wise spoke about Physical Disability Awareness Day and why such days are important in educating, celebrating and bringing together both the physical disability and wider communities.
You can listen to this podcast by going to:
It is with great sadness that Physical Disability Australia (PDA) announces the resignation of Andrew Fairbairn as Interim Executive Officer.
Andrew joined PDA as a member in 2017 and was asked to join the Board in 2018 as WA Director.
His go getter personality, friendly persona and commitment to the disability community and PDA, quickly saw him voted in to the position of Co-Vice President alongside Talia Spooner-Stewart.
When PDA’s legendary Liz Reid’s maximum tenure as PDA President ended, Andrew’s talents and expertise saw him step into the role. Despite Liz leaving behind big shoes to fill, Andrew confidently and successfully took on the role and, together with an incredible Executive team and Board, steered PDA on to grow even further as a recognised, respected and proactive Disabled Peoples’ Organisation.
Following the departure of PDA’s General Manager, Andrew (at the request and support of the full Board) resigned from his role as President to step in to the role of Interim Executive Officer.
Working alongside and at the helm of a loyal team of staff, Andrew established himself as the face and voice of PDA that was synonymous with disability rights and inclusion. His work with PDA has played a part in guiding PDA as a visible, respected and supportive organisation for people living with physical disability.
Our Board, staff and membership would like to publicly express our thanks to Andrew (on behalf of our organisation, our Members and Australia’s disability community), for his enduring commitment, advocacy work and overall contribution to PDA and Australia’s disability landscape.
Andrew has brought so much to PDA and leaves a legacy that will be difficult to emulate and cannot be erased.
Andrew, wherever your next chapter takes you, we wish you well and know that your professionalism, knowledge, ethics, expertise and personality will shine wherever you go.
If you haven’t already registered for the online DisabiliTEA event at this Sunday’s Physical Disability Awareness Day, make sure that you head across to do it now
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FLTklhA9TLmT3Up8Hcu_VA
Great speakers:
As well as hearing from these incredible speakers, this free event will feature a fun trivia event with cash prizes.
Join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day.
1800 732 674
