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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 - Mini Workshops
The Lead the Way Mini Workshops 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!
The below workshops are now open for registrations:
Building my Confidence
Click here to learn about Lead the Way Mini Workshop: Building my Confidence.
Confidence isn’t something you’re just born with. Confidence is a learned skill that grows with practice!
Join us online for an interactive workshop hosted by QDN staff and Youth Peer Mentors with lived experience of disability.
In this safe and non-judgmental workshop, you’ll discover how boosting your confidence can help you speak up for yourself and make decisions that truly reflect your goals, needs, and preferences.
Workshop details:
When: Thursday 5 November 2026
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/lead-the-way-building-my-confidence/tickets
What You’ll Learn:
Hear firsthand from Youth Peer Mentors about how they built confidence over time.
Use tools to plan a personal goal to build your confidence and map out actionable steps to get there.
Chat to other young people with disability other to share ideas and encourage one another.
Who is the workshop for?
- Young people with disability aged 17 – 25 who want to build their confidence
Whether you want to take a small first step, or work toward a bigger goal, this workshop will give you practical tools to help grow your confidence.
How to Read an Electricity Bill
Click here to learn about Lead the Way Mini Workshop: How to Read an Electricity Bill
Paying bills are an important part of everyday life.
Join us online for an interactive workshop hosted by QDN staff and Youth Peer Mentors with lived experience of disability.
Workshop details:
When: Thursday 16 November 2026
Time: 3:00pm-3:30pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/lead-the-way-how-to-read-an-electricity-bill-mini-workshop
What You’ll Learn:
How to read and understand your electricity bill
How to understand your electricity contract
Who is the workshop for?
- Young people with disability aged 17 – 25 who want to build their confidence
How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
Click here to learn about Lead the Way Mini Workshop: How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
We use electricity everyday and it can be expensive. In this mini workshop, learn energy-saving tips that can help lower your electricity bill.
Join us online for an interactive workshop hosted by QDN staff and Youth Peer Mentors with lived experience of disability.
Workshop details:
When: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 3:00pm-3:30pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/lead-the-way-how-to-save-money-on-your-electricity-bill-mini-workshop
What You’ll Learn:
- Ways to reduce the amount of electricity you use.
- Tips that can help you lower the cost of your electricity bill
Who is the workshop for?
- Young people with disability aged 17 – 25 who want to build their confidence
How to Change Energy Providers
Click here to learn about Lead the Way Mini Workshop: How to Change Energy Providers
There are lots of energy providers to choose from. You might find an energy provider that has a better deal or is more suitable for you. In this mini workshop, we’ll cover how to change energy providers by following simple steps.
Join us online for an interactive workshop hosted by QDN staff and Youth Peer Mentors with lived experience of disability.
Workshop details:
When: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Time: 3:00pm-3:30pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/lead-the-way-how-to-change-energy-providers-mini-workshop
What You’ll Learn:
- How to change your energy provider.
- Tips on what to say to change providers.
Who is the workshop for?
- Young people with disability aged 17 – 25 who want to build their confidence
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 – 3 December: weekly online workshops and self-paced learning
- Friday 4 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.
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.
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.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Treat other people how you would like to be treated.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I was an age group athletics champion in high school.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Don’t let your disability limit what you can achieve.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
The beaches
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Cinderella, as she is kind, caring and resilient. She continues to believe in herself even when faced with difficulties.
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
Logan/Brisbane
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.
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.
Lily
Gold Coast
Click here to learn about Lily
Pronouns:
She/He/They
Passions/study/work/volunteer/hobbies):
I’m a QLD graphic designer living with Trichotillomania – compulsive hair pulling disorder – and ADHD/Autism. Recently I graduated with my bachelors in design
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Three years after graduating high school trying to conform to non-disabled social expectations caught up with me. I crashed both mentally and physically. During said crash I was diagnosed with ADHD/Autism and finally figured out a support system and lifestyle that works for me. Previously I thought my only option was to conform and go with normative expectations; I joined LTW because I want to help young people know that the road most travelled is not the road for all.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The moment you think you’re perfect is the moment you’ve failed; to be flawed is to be human after all (thanks dad).
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I’m a huge Dungeons and Dragons fan – I feel very lucky to say I’ve finished several multi-year campaigns with a table of my closest friends. For D&D nerds reading, my favorite class/subclass combination is War Domain Cleric followed closely by Swords Bard.
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
Fire Emblem Three Houses (2019), but only with the DLC.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Being kind does not come at the cost of protecting your peace.
What is your favourite thing about living in Queensland?
All of my friends are here, and we have wonderful walking trails in the hinterlands!
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
If I am to be reborn… I hope it is as Kurimanju from Chiikawa; I want to be a little chestnut creature who shows up randomly to eat good food and drink good drink.
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
Evan
Gold Coast
Click here to learn about Evan
Pronouns:
He/Him
Tell us about yourself
I’m a second-year psychology student and ex-support worker with a deep interest in neurodivergence. I am neurodivergent myself and am passionate about furthering societal understanding of conditions like ASD and ADHD through advocacy and future research attention.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Because I believe in the importance of establishing effective programs to empower young people with disability. I have seen firsthand the difference that can be made to the life trajectory of youth with disability if they are provided with aid that is effective and available through that overwhelming and uncertain transition from predictable school life to adult life and I wanted to be a part of making sure a program that could help with this has the best chance of becoming a success.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t ever assume that you have nothing to learn from others, no matter how young, old or unexpected.
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
Once you find your crowd, the people who understand and support your true self, everything starts to feel a whole lot more achievable. I would prioritise finding a good support network over any other life goals you may have because it really is important.
Bjorn
Hervey Bay
Click here to learn about Bjorn
Pronouns:
They/ Them He/Him
Tell us about yourself:
I am currently trying to get support for my chronic illness and in doing so I mostly volunteer my time. I am part of other Youth Advisory groups, I attend workshops and seminars, and I am an artist in my free time. Currently I am working on a zine talking about sexual violence.
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
I wanted to join because I want to help advocate for people, I want to use my voice to magnify those who are not being heard, even if that is through my own experience that I am advocating for others. I want to provide a different scope or lens or context to situation or topics so that we’re not missing the voices that should be heard too.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My Mother told me once that she would rather I be happy living the life I am living rather than forcing myself to do/be something I am not. She told me “Do what makes you happy and fulfilled, even if that means studying for the rest of your life or working in fast food.”
What is your favourite band, book, game, or movie?
My favourite movie is “Project Hail Mary”!!!!
What is one thing you want other young people with disability to know about life after school?
I feel like people really sell adulthood to you when you’re in school, it’s nothing like what they tell you. It’s going to be worse in so many different ways, but it’s also going to be amazing in so many more ways. The communities and connections are even more diverse, and you will find your people and your crowd. You’ll find a lot more people outside of school care more about what you have to say, but you will still find a lot of people who don’t. Pick your battles and don’t settle for less than what you know you deserve.
Bailey
Brisbane
Click here to learn about Bailey
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a full-time student at Griffith University with Dwarfism,
studying criminology and psychology. Next year, I’ll pursue postgraduate studies.
Outside of university, I love reading fantasy novels and doing archery
Why did you want to join the Lead the Way: Shaping my Future team?
Growing up, I lived in a regional/rural area. The Lead the Way project is something that
younger me would’ve loved and needed. I joined this project to help people like me who
need this project too.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
It sounds cliché, but I was told to really know who I am as a person so no one can tell
me what I can or can’t do.
Is there a fun fact we should know about you?
I’m fortunate to say I’ve travelled to 15 different countries
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
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!
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.