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About Lead the Way: Shaping my Future
Designed by young people with disability, for young people with disability to shape the future they want.
Are you a young person with disability (aged 17 – 25)? Want to build a life that works for you? Lead the Way: Shaping my Future is a free program for young people with disability to help you shape your future, your way.
Everyone’s journey after school is different. Figuring out what you want to do, where you want to live, and what you need to make it happen takes time to work out. For young people with disability, some barriers can make navigating life as a young adult challenging – Lead the Way is here to help you work through them.
You’ll learn how to build the life you want, from identifying and advocating your needs, to learning about different housing options and earning an income through work that suits you.
Register today and build the future you want!
Lead the Way: 4-Week Course
Apply for Lead the Way, a free 4-week course made by, with and for young people with disability (17-25) about shaping the future you want.
What you’ll get:
- Two workshops in Brisbane (travel and accommodation provided for participants who live outside Brisbane)
- Online workshops
- Self-paced learning
- Guidance from Youth Peer Mentors
- Online Peer Support Group
Course dates:
- Monday 2 November: Workshop in Brisbane
- 9 November – 4 December: weekly online workshops and self-paced learning
- Friday 5 December: Workshop in Brisbane
Who can apply:
- Young people with disability, aged 17-25 who live in Queensland
What you’ll get:
- Access to the 4-week course
- If you live outside the Brisbane LGA, QDN will cover your travel and accommodation costs to attend in-person workshops in Brisbane.
Learning topics:
- My Life, My Way – explore different pathways, build your knowledge on your rights, and how to speak up for what you need.
- Choose from:
- My Housing Options – Explore different housing options that suit your needs, from living with carers to renting or owning a home.
- My Earning Options – Explore different ways of earning income in ways that suit your needs, from getting a job to running a business.
- My Future, My Way – Plan for your future based on what you discovered through the program.
By the end of the program, you’ll have a roadmap for your future, more confidence and practical skills, stronger connections in your community, and a sense of belonging and preparedness for whatever comes next.
Plus, get priority access to optional free, mini sessions on living basics for young people with disability, these will focus on topics such as budgeting, meal planning, friendship, and advocacy.
How to Apply:
Complete the application form by 11.59pm Monday 5 October 2026.
If you would like to complete this form over the phone, or want help to fill it out, please call us on (07) 3252 8566 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.
Lead the Way is designed to be safe, welcoming and inclusive for all young people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ young people.
Lead the Way - Mini Sessions (coming soon!)
The Lead the Way Mini Sessions provide practical ‘how to’ sessions on life skill basics from speaking up for yourself to advocating for change in your community, and paying a bill to preparing meals, and everything in between!
Meet the Lead the Way Team
Youth Peer Mentors
Meet our Youth Peer Mentor team! Our Youth Peer Mentors are young people (18 – 35) with disability who provide guidance to Lead the Way participants.
Chloe
Brisbane
Click here to learn about Chloe
Pronouns:
she/her
Tell us about yourself:
I love playing netball, interior design, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I have a natural instinct of helping people and I wanted to guide young people in the right direction if they feel confused. I’ll be your cheerleader.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Life is an adventure.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I can’t blow up balloons.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
I love the ‘Parent Trap’ and ‘Barbie’ movie
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school? You can do anything you want, the real world will teach you so much more. There will be horrible people out there, but don’t let them stop you.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
I love the sun, just sitting outside in my lunch break or in the middle of uni assessments / classes.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
I want to be Harry Potter, I would love to use magic!
Jake
Moreton Bay
Click here to learn about Jake
Tell us about yourself:
I’m based in Moreton Bay and wear a few different hats. By day I work as a Compliance and Risk Specialist, and outside of that I’m a disability support worker, and I run my own advisory and consultancy work in the disability space. I acquired my own disability halfway through Year 12, so a lot of what I do now comes from having lived the exact transition these young people are going through. When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with my wife and two kids, getting outdoors, or watching a good film.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Becoming a Youth Peer Mentor drew me in because it’s exactly the kind of support person I wish I’d had after high school. I acquired my disability halfway through Year 12, so I know first-hand how hard it is to navigate post-school life as a young person with disability, especially when it comes to finding meaningful employment and juggling therapies as part of ongoing rehab. I want to be the person who makes that road a little less lonely and easier to navigate for someone else.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
Movies, easily, and I can’t pick just one. It’s a three-way tie between The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, and The Goonies. Honourable mention to most of Nolan’s films, especially Interstellar and Inception.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Life can be hard, but it’s beautiful. And the power of community is second to none. You don’t have to figure any of it out on your own.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
The weather is the obvious answer coming from Victoria, where you can get four seasons in a single day! But, so I’m not a total cop-out, I’ll say it’s the sheer concentration of natural beauty. Within a 60-minute radius you’ve got pristine beaches, natural swimming holes, hinterland, a beautiful city, and everything in between.
Julian
Brisbane
Click here to learn about Julian
Tell us about yourself:
I am passionate about engaging with people, supporting, and advocating for disabilities.
I work for Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation and my hobbies include learning languages, watching movies and swimming.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Because I want to provide the type of help that I would’ve liked to receive during the first stage of my rehab.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I can speak several languages, which makes me a great travel companion.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
I really enjoy a French-Canadian singer that goes under the name Cœur de Pirate.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Focus on your skills and try hard. Good things will come that way.
Katrina
Gladstone
Click here to learn about Katrina
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself:
I love travel, the outdoors (boating!) and photography. I love being able to advocate for the disability sector as I know how hard it is to be heard and treated equally.
I was a Disabilty Peer Facilitator for 4 ½ years, leading Peer Groups for People With Disability.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I joined Lead the Way as I am passionate about helping others with disability and I would like to continue my learning journey with a broader range of disability.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t look back you’re not going that way (you can’t change the past but you can learn from your mistakes)
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
Being so close to some of the best snorkeling spots (Great Barrier Reef).
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
It may seem scary, but there are plenty of opportunities and paths that can be taken. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals.
Kimberley
Brisbane
Click here to learn about Kimberley
Pronouns:
She/her
Tell us about yourself:
I love community and helping people and will usually agree to helping wherever I can fit it in my calendar – which someone recently described as a calendar that would make an air traffic controller nervous! I work as an engineer, with my initial study in mechatronics so I am always up to chat cool robotics, integrated systems and AT (assistive technology) which is what I did my thesis on. I have also spent time as a balloon artist, support worker, writer, and for a while I was paid to build Lego – I honestly think I have had some of the coolest jobs and am so grateful for such! I volunteer with my Rotaract Club, Girl Guides and a whole bunch of other organisations for semi-regular side quests – most of them youth related. I am also known to talk friends into hiking, kayaking, painting or other random adventures, and there is pretty much always travel being planned for some future point.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Navigating my disability made me face a lot of decisions that I didn’t think I would have to so young – I was sharing a similar management plan to my 70-year-old grandmother at 17 years old, even though it was for completely different reasons, and I had a health care team trying to prepare me for ‘if it gets worse’.
Knowing friends and other people of a similar age to me that were navigating their own journeys gave me hope that it was possible, and that I would still be able to have the life of a young person even if it occasionally looks a little different. For me, I ultimately saw the value in this space and was like ‘cool tell me how I can help make it happen’ and now we are here!
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I really struggle to choose favourites or bests, or definitive answers, because what if I change my mind or find a new favourite, also don’t want to leave any good options out! Not super fun but probably explains a lot about me!
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
You will figure it out, and it will be okay – when there is a will, there is a way. Also, community is so important for everyone!
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
I have always lived in SEQ, but from what I have experienced of all of Queensland, our weather is a great midpoint usually, not too cold and not too hot (I grew up in SEQ remember, if you are reading this thinking about our tropical North, I know you may have a different story). We have incredible mountains and beaches. Whether you love snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, caving or abseiling, we have incredible spots for all the outdoor adventures you can imagine! Also, we have access to such good fruit!
Destiny
Cairns
Click here to learn about Destiny
Pronouns:
She/her
Tell us about yourself:
I’m passionate about supporting young people and creating spaces where people feel heard, valued and included. I currently work in the community services space and have experience working with young people, community programs, and people from a range of different backgrounds. I’m especially passionate about advocacy, self-development, connection, and helping people recognise their own strengths. Outside of work, I love spending time with my cat, being creative, exploring new places, and learning about the world around me.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping My Future team?
I wanted to join Lead the Way because I know how important it is for young people to have someone who understands them, listens to them and reminds them that their future doesn’t have to look a certain way. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young people with disability to have a voice, build confidence and make decisions about their own lives. I also wanted to be part of something where I could share my own experiences while learning from other young people.
What is the best advice someone has given you?
You don’t need everyone to understand you for you to know yourself. I’ve learnt that trusting yourself and your own experiences is sometimes more important than trying to get everyone else to understand your choices.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I’m a huge animal lover and have a cat named Katana who I absolutely adore. I also love being creative and designing things myself. I currently design my own tattoo as a way of telling my story through art.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
You don’t have to follow the path that everyone else expects you to. Life after school can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to work out what you want to do, but there isn’t one right way to build your future. Take your time, ask for help when you need it, advocate for yourself and don’t let other people’s expectations decide what you’re capable of.
Atyaf
Bundaberg
Click here to learn about Atyaf
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself: I am a 21 year old university student studying a Bachelor of Business. I am currently working in Human Resources and Events sector. I have a visual impairment disability.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team? I understand how important it is to have someone who listens without judgement. I would like to use my own experiences to support and encourage young people.
Meet the Co-Design Team
Meet the young people with disability who helped design the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future program.
Gabbi
Hervey Bay
Click here to learn about Gabbi
Pronouns:
She/ Her/ They/ Them
Tell us about yourself:
I’m an incredibly adventurous person who loves to travel, go to concerts, go exploring and try new things (even when I get anxious about it!). I used to study criminology in University before I had to drop out and I’ve just started playing wheelchair basketball as of a few months ago.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I personally had a really hard time after school for a variety of reasons including severe autistic burnout and significant flare-ups with my dynamic disability. I wanted to join the Lead the way team to help out with the creation of a program that I know I would’ve benefited from had it existed when I left school. I know now what I wish I would’ve known back then, so I’m really excited to be a part of the creation of this program to help new school leavers feel at least a little more supported, encouraged and hopeful.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Theres no failure when the goal is experience
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I am absolutely obsessed with Jellyfish! I have 4 jellyfish lamps, a few jellyfish T-shirts and now a jellyfish tattoo! I’ve also been stung by them twice… you’d think that would put me off them but apparently not!
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
I listen to so many genres of music but have gotten really into kpop the last few years with my favourite bands/groups being Stray Kids and Seventeen.
Jasmyn
Gladstone
Click here to learn about Jasmyn
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself:
I am a friendly and creative person who enjoys learning new things and meeting new people. I enjoy spending time with my chickens, painting, music, and being creative.
I have experience with work, volunteering and being part of community programs, and I am interested in building my confidence and independence.
I am passionate about having a say in my future, developing new skills, and helping make a positive difference in my community.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I wanted to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team because I want to build my confidence, learn new skills, and have a voice in decisions that affect my future. I would like to share my ideas and experiences, meet new people and work together with others. I also want to develop my skills and become more confident in speaking up and making positive changes.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To believe in myself and not give up, even when things feel difficult.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I love spending time with my chickens and I enjoy painting and being creative.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Life after school can be exciting, and there are lots of different opportunities out there, and it is okay to take your time and ask for support. You can work towards your own goals and make your own choices about your future.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
I love the warm weather, beautiful beaches and being outdoors. I also enjoy living in a friendly community and spending time with my chickens.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
I would be Mirabel from Encanto because she is caring, determined, and believes in her family. She shows that you don’t have to be perfect to be special.
Calista
Gold Coast
Click here to learn about Calista
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself: I am an aspiring social worker and passionate about supporting people with disabilities.
I have a rare skin condition which affects my ability to walk. Growing up, I was very sad and insecure about my condition, but now I am grateful that I can mentor other people with disability. When I am not studying or working, I like to read, spend time with my family, and eat yummy food!
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I think it is important that young people have access to mentors with disability because I know from my own experience that it can be quite isolating having no one who understands the unique challenges that people with disability face. It is imperative in my opinion that young people are set up for success, not just an average life. Young people deserve mentorship and guidance.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s not that deep!!!
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
If your struggling with your mental health… reach out! Your mind can trick you and its important that you don’t believe everything you think. There is a lot of support for people struggling with life after school, but no one can help you if you don’t seek the help out.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
Kangaroos everywhere!
Rená
Click here to learn about Rená
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself:
Hi I’m Rena,
I am 24 years old and grew up in Logan, Queensland. I am passionate about helping others, whether that’s through my church youth group, my advocacy work with Headspace and Create Foundation, or the communities I am fondly apart of. I am also currently studying a double degree in Behavioral Psychology and Criminal Justice at QUT.
A few of my favourite things are animals (especially ducks, geese, highland cows), Irish Music, playing videogames, and being creative.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
My own experiences across neurodiversity, mental health, foster and kinship care, family complexity and navigating support systems have shaped both who I am and the way I see the world. Rather than viewing lived experience as just a collection of challenges, I value the opportunity to use these experiences to help make things a little better for the people who come after me.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Theres no need to ice the cake three times”
One of my areas of weakness is feeling the need to overdo something, whether it’s a project, assignment or task, it’s easier for me to get stuck in the cycle of not finishing something unless it’s the best it can be, which most of the time remains unfinished. Since hearing this advice, I am learning that sometimes it’s okay for something to be good enough, rather than icing the cake over and over again, while adding no additional value.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
One of my all-time favourite games is Stardew Valley. I feel like it’s the type of game that can be universally appreciated by any type of gamer or skill level because of its easy-going playstyle and ability to create your own narrative.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
Peter Pan. I would love to have an everlasting free-spirited nature rooted in childlike wonder, always carefree and preoccupied with nothing but curiosity and adventure.
Logan/Brisbane
Atyaf
Bundaberg
Click here to learn about Atyaf
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself: I am a 21 year old university student studying a Bachelor of Business. I am currently working in Human Resources and Events sector. I have a visual impairment disability.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team? I understand how important it is to have someone who listens without judgement. I would like to use my own experiences to support and encourage young people.
Meet the Youth Advisory Group
Meet the young people with disability who help QDN make sure the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future Program reflects the real-life experiences of young people with disability.
In addition to their role within the co-design team, Gabbi and Rená are also part of the Youth Advisory Group.
Gabbi
Hervey Bay
Click here to learn about Gabbi
Pronouns:
She/ Her/ They/ Them
Tell us about yourself:
I’m an incredibly adventurous person who loves to travel, go to concerts, go exploring and try new things (even when I get anxious about it!). I used to study criminology in University before I had to drop out and I’ve just started playing wheelchair basketball as of a few months ago.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I personally had a really hard time after school for a variety of reasons including severe autistic burnout and significant flare-ups with my dynamic disability. I wanted to join the Lead the way team to help out with the creation of a program that I know I would’ve benefited from had it existed when I left school. I know now what I wish I would’ve known back then, so I’m really excited to be a part of the creation of this program to help new school leavers feel at least a little more supported, encouraged and hopeful.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Theres no failure when the goal is experience
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I am absolutely obsessed with Jellyfish! I have 4 jellyfish lamps, a few jellyfish T-shirts and now a jellyfish tattoo! I’ve also been stung by them twice… you’d think that would put me off them but apparently not!
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
I listen to so many genres of music but have gotten really into kpop the last few years with my favourite bands/groups being Stray Kids and Seventeen.
Rená
Click here to learn about Rená
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself:
Hi I’m Rena,
I am 24 years old and grew up in Logan, Queensland. I am passionate about helping others, whether that’s through my church youth group, my advocacy work with Headspace and Create Foundation, or the communities I am fondly apart of. I am also currently studying a double degree in Behavioral Psychology and Criminal Justice at QUT.
A few of my favourite things are animals (especially ducks, geese, highland cows), Irish Music, playing videogames, and being creative.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
My own experiences across neurodiversity, mental health, foster and kinship care, family complexity and navigating support systems have shaped both who I am and the way I see the world. Rather than viewing lived experience as just a collection of challenges, I value the opportunity to use these experiences to help make things a little better for the people who come after me.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Theres no need to ice the cake three times”
One of my areas of weakness is feeling the need to overdo something, whether it’s a project, assignment or task, it’s easier for me to get stuck in the cycle of not finishing something unless it’s the best it can be, which most of the time remains unfinished. Since hearing this advice, I am learning that sometimes it’s okay for something to be good enough, rather than icing the cake over and over again, while adding no additional value.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
One of my all-time favourite games is Stardew Valley. I feel like it’s the type of game that can be universally appreciated by any type of gamer or skill level because of its easy-going playstyle and ability to create your own narrative.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
Peter Pan. I would love to have an everlasting free-spirited nature rooted in childlike wonder, always carefree and preoccupied with nothing but curiosity and adventure.
Logan/Brisbane
Program Co-designer (18-25)
As a Program Co-designer, you will work with other young people with disability and the QDN team to help design the Lead the Way: Shaping your Future program activities.
As a Program Co-designer you will:
- Attend 6 online sessions (2 hours each) between April to June 2026
- Work collaboratively with other young people with disability, facilitators and the QDN project team
- Help design program topics, activities and learning modules
- Share ideas about what information and resources young people need most
Youth Advisory Group Member (18-25)
As a Youth Advisory Group Member, you’ll help ensure the Lead the Way: Shaping your Future program reflects the experiences, priorities and topics that are important to young people with disability.
As a Youth Advisory Group Member you will:
- Attend 8 online meetings (2 hours each) between April 2026 and November 2027
- Work collaboratively with other young people with disability, Peer Mentors and QDN project team
- Support young people with disability to be fairly represented throughout the program
- Ensure the program is relevant and reflects the topics and priorities that are most important to young people with disability
- Share feedback to help improve the program as it develops
- Support QDN to ensure young people with disability are included in community, education and employment opportunities
- Provide advice on how the program should be promoted so it reaches the right people
The Lead the Way: Shaping my Future program received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.