ABC News story – The impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities During this news report QDN members were able to share their stories and call for change. QDN is and will continue to work to ensure Governments hear the voice of Queenslanders with disability and they take action around these urgent issues. Episode Wednesday 19/1/2022 and the story starts at 7:48mins Photo Credit – Image from ABC News article  ... Read More

Just announced – COVID-19 Webinar for People with Disability TOMORROW Thursday 20 January The Commonwealth Department of Health is hosting a webinar on COVID-19 for people with disability on Thursday, 20 January 2022, from 2pm – 3pm AEST. The session focus on issues such as: What does Omicron mean for people with disability? What mask should I and my care providers be using? What is the difference between a PCR and rapid antigen test? What should I do if my support worker is ill or if my family ... Read More

QDN Member – COVID-19 Update Workforce – Critically Essential Workers The Commonwealth and State Governments are working around critical essential workers for industries where shortages have significant impact on people. At National Cabinet today 14 January 2022, a range of different industries were listed including disability. Guidelines and information about this will be developed. The Queensland Government has a range of requirements in place and QDN will update members as the ... Read More

It is an important time to get your COVID-19 vaccinations or booster doses. If you need to make a booking you can search for local bookings at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/ There is a user guide to this booking site available on Queensland Health’s website at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine/book along with other information and resources. If you need support over the phone about bookings ... Read More

  Supporting members in affected Fraser Coast and Gympie Local Government areas during this time We hope you and your loved ones are well during this time, following the devastating heavy rainfall and flooding that has impacted your local area. During this stressful time, you may need extra assistance or support.  It is important that you know who and where to call.  QDN has compiled a list of resources and agencies to help you if needed.   Financial Assistance Personal Hardship ... Read More

  Holiday season greetings Dear QDN Members and Supporters, As we come to the end of 2021  we want to thank you our QDN members, supporters and allies for your support during what has been another challenging year. As a member driven organization is we are especially proud of QDN’s its many achievements during the year, as we are very aware none of these of which would happen without a thriving network of members with disability. From the Gulf, Far North, to North and Central Queensland, ... Read More

  Be Connected: Get Connected There are many people with disability living in our community who for a range of reasons are not digitally connected. This issue is really important for people, especially during times of emergency or natural disasters. We are partnering with GIVT and Volunteering Queensland to help change this and we are proud to launch our new program, the Access Affordability Ability (AAA) Digital Inclusion project. The project provides ACCESS to digital devices, ... Read More

Every Australian Counts Everyone wants people with disability to have a good, safe and decent life. And for that reason, Australians from all walks of life support the NDIS. But this year, the Federal Government have on a relentless NDIS ‘cost blowouts’ scare campaign. The NDIS changes people’s lives.  And bonus – it is good for the economy too. “Recent modelling by Per Capita shows that for every dollar spent in the NDIS there is a $2.25 return to the economy – that’s a ... Read More

  COVID-19 Update – December 2021 Week 3 As the COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing in Australia, we encourage you to keep on top of health alerts, you can find this information here. With the spread of the Omicron variant and the opening of the Queensland border, it might be a good time to remember to social distance, if you can wear a mask when you can’t socially distance and practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer when needed. It might be a ... Read More

  QDN Advocacy Statement – Rights and respect in multi-agency provision in the NDIS QDN in partnership with Griffith University – The Hopkins Centre is pleased to launch our advocacy statement – Rights and respect in multi-agency provision in the NDIS. This was informed by an online forum in July 2021 attended by Queenslanders with disability, including QDN members, families, supporters about their experiences and challenges of fitting together multiple providers in their funded ... Read More

QDN’s Disability Action Week Event – Driving workforce diversity, inclusion, and innovation. QDN celebrated the end of #DisabilityActionWeek by hosting an on-line employment forum with up to 150 people with disability, family, community and government registrations. The forum discussed topics on employment opportunities for people with disability and the benefits of inclusive workforces. Dr Dinesh Palipana the 2021 Queenslander of the year, Katie Brooker and Catrin Culla from Mater ... Read More

  QDN Member Event Transport Matters – Advocacy and Inclusion QDN is hosting a series of online workshops for QDN members on key issues that matter to people with disability. This workshop is for QDN members who want to learn more about the legislation and standards that govern and guide our transport accessibility and inclusion. Geoff Trappett from Inclusion Moves will deliver a two-hour workshop for members interested in getting more information and growing their knowledge, skills and ... Read More

QDN e-Bulletin Update November 2021 A note from Des Des Ryan, Chairperson of the Board As 2021 draws to a close I want to thank QDN members, peer leaders, staff, Board and our supporters for all your work and efforts during the year. It has been a very busy year for QDN and there has been a range of significant issues that Queenslanders with disability have been actively engaged in across NDIS, housing, health, transport, disaster and emergency preparedness and of course COVID-19. The NDIS has ... Read More

  QDN Member Events – The NDIS: 2021 in review and the way forward to improve in 2022 It’s been a big year for the NDIS. From independent assessments to increased powers for the Federal Government. There have been a lot of changes to the scheme talked about in just 12 months. So, at the end of a very busy year, where did the NDIS end up? And most importantly, where do we want to see the NDIS go in 2022? This is an online forum for QDN members and supporters to wrap up the year that’s ... Read More

  Disability Action Week Event 2021 Disability Action Week is held annually and raises awareness of how Queenslanders can play their own role in creating an all abilities Queensland. This year’s theme ‘Workforce diversity – open up to opportunity’, focuses on employment opportunities for people with disability and benefits of an inclusive workforce. The week runs from 5 to 11 December 2021. QDN will be hosting an event to celebrate this week. The online forum will discuss topics on ... Read More