QDN e-News - 9 April 2025

 

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Voice of Queenslanders with Disability survey 2025 

The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability survey, is back! 

QDN, Griffith University, and the Queensland Government invite you to participate in the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability survey.  

This survey is a research initiative designed for Queenslanders with disabilities, their families, carers, and organisational representatives. Your insights and stories are important in helping to enhance services and programs. 

There are many ways to share your stories. You can complete our online survey by clicking on the survey below that best describes you. You may be able to complete more than one. 

To share your story, take the survey here: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/vqd?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJ8GFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVqRvihsSwzC5CtLUu2kkbxsvY3oaoAwUZnb5cva6fHUTp2PPihNOAyxbA_aem_FRRRS09fD7KdKZrMBnDn1g
 

You can also ask for phone interview, virtual interview, complete the survey in a word document, or any other way you feel comfortable sharing. Please email dignityproject@griffith.edu.au  

  

Queensland Disability Alliance Statement and Federal Election Forum  

The Federal Election has been called on Saturday 3 May. It is an important one, especially to people with disability, their families, and workers. 

To read the Queensland Disability Alliance Statement 2025 - click here 

The Online Election Forum will be held on Wednesday 16 April and representatives from key parties will attend. 

The 2025 Queensland Disability Alliance consists of thirty-one disability organisations and we are excited to announce the 'Queensland Disability Alliance Online Federal Election Forum 2025'. 

Join us for this state-wide forum to hear from the key political parties about their plans to create a more inclusive Australia and address the disability issues that matter most to you. 

To register for the Queensland Disability Alliance Online Election Forum – click here.  

 

Expression of Interest: Be part of the co-design team for the Empower Project

QDN is partnering with the Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) from Metro North Health on the Empower Project, a Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032 Legacy project.   

We are looking for people with disability who want to be involved in the co-design of the Empower Project. 

The Empower Project will explore and address barriers to sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability to foster a more inclusive and accessible sports and recreation environment.  

In this program we will also work collaboratively with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University, Sporting Wheelies, the University of Queensland (UQ) and other key representatives across the sporting and disability sector.   

The project will be completed by November 2026.  

The Empower Legacy Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. 

How to Apply: 

If you would like more information or need support answering the questions, please call QDN on 1300 363 783 or email at empower@qdn.org.au.    

The closing date to receive applications is close of business (COB) Friday 9 of May 2025.  

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Wednesday 14 of May 2025 for interview by a selection panel. 

 

QDN Peer Support Groups are back for 2025! 

QDN Peer Support Groups bring people with disability together to share experiences, exchange information, and connect with their communities. The groups are led by individuals with disability and held online and in-person, right across Queensland.
Peer Support Groups provide safe spaces for discussing important matters like housing, transport, education, employment, and human rights. They also provide a platform for people with disability to influence change, voice opinions on community concerns, navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and support each other in achieving personal goals. Peer Support Groups are open to anyone living with disability in Queensland.
Learn more and get involved: 1300 363 783 or peersupport@qdn.org.au 

Bright Sparks Workshops 

QDN is running 48 Bright Sparks workshops across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. The workshops focus on practical ways to reduce electricity bills without compromising health and wellbeing. These workshops are open to people with disability and will be delivered both in-person and online. An additional 12 workshops will be delivered by Multicultural Australia. The Bight Sparks project is funded by the Department of Energy and Climate.  

If you would like to attend a Bright Sparks workshop, follow the link below to find one near you.  

https://qdn.org.au/our-work/bright-sparks-2024-25/  

 

The Centre’s 2025 conference – registrations open 

QDN is a proud member of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability (The Centre). The Centre's 2025 conference on 3-4 of July is now open for registration. The conference theme is ‘Working together every step of the way’ and will explore ways to rethink healthcare for people with intellectual disability.
Find out more and register: https://nceidh.org.au/conference-2025

 

Policy Submissions

Policy Update, there is a image of a tick in a box with an arrow coming out the side of the box and circling around back to point at the box.

QDN members are encouraged to reach out to the policy team to be involved in our submission writing. Email qdn@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783 to have a conversation with the policy team. 

Submissions the policy team is working on:  

  • Inquiry into Elder Abuse    
  • Education (General Provisions) Amendment Bill 2025 

Submissions the policy team has completed since the last e-news: 

  • Platform Providers mandatory registration 
  • Supported independent living (SIL) and support coordination mandatory registration


NDIS updates  

First Nations Strategy 2025-2030 released 

NDIS has released their First Nations Strategy 2025-2030 that outlines how they will improve outcomes for First Nations participants and be more culturally safe and accessible. Learn more here: First Nations Strategy | NDIS 

NDIS events  

Understanding the NDIS webinar series-Pathways to post school life: Tuesday 29 April from 1pm –2pm. RSVP by 28 April 

https://www.ndis.gov.au/events/10631-understanding-ndis-webinar-series-pathways-post-school-life 

Understanding the NDIS webinar series-Assistive Technology: Tuesday 13 May from 6pm –7pm. RSVP by 12 May 

https://www.ndis.gov.au/events/10621-understanding-ndis-webinar-series-using-ndis-plan 

Policy updates 

Guiding the Way: Building Common Principles for Navigators  

NDS and DANA have done a joint report to guide the government on the role of navigators. Learn more here: Guiding the Way: Building Common Principles for Navigators 


Next Steps in Supported Employment  

The Department of Social Services are looking for feedback regarding the Next Steps in Supported Employment. Consultation period ends 22 June 2025. Learn more here: Next Steps in Supported Employment: Consultation on the way forward | engage.dss.gov.au  


NDIS Insights 2024-25 

Justice and Equity Centre have released a report about some of the significant changes and developments of the NDIS in 2024. Learn more here:  NDIS insights 2024-25 


Research report about people with intellectual disability are at high risk of mental health conditions 

The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health has released a new research study called the Prevalence of psychiatric conditions in people with intellectual disability. You can learn more here: Research – people with intellectual disability at high risk of mental health conditions 


Carer Wellbeing Survey 

A national survey has been released about the wellbeing of carers and their support services. The survey closes on the 18 April. Learn more here: https://www.dss.gov.au/news/carer-wellbeing-survey-2025-now-open   


Assistance Animal National Principles  

The Department of Social Services have developed draft National Principles for the regulation of assistance animals. You can provide feedback about the principles. Consultation period ends 1 June 2025. Learn more here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/assistance-animal-national-principles/ 


Election Resources  

The Australian Electoral Commission have accessible information about voting for the upcoming election. Learn more on  https://www.aec.gov.au/community/accessible-education.htm  and https://www.aec.gov.au/assistance/ 


Final report from disability reform community reforms released  

We are pleased to share with you the final report and presentation slides from the forums. The report includes themes that emerged from our discussions and the data collected during the activities around reform priorities and timeframes. These documents can be accessed here: https://qdn.org.au/qld-disability-reforms/

What's on

Expression of Interest: Be part of the co-design team for the Empower Project

QDN is partnering with the Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) from Metro North Health on the Empower Project, a Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032 Legacy project.   

We are looking for people with disability who want to be involved in the co-design of the Empower Project. 

The Empower Project will explore and address barriers to sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability to foster a more inclusive and accessible sports and recreation environment.  

In this program we will also work collaboratively with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University, Sporting Wheelies, the University of Queensland (UQ) and other key representatives across the sporting and disability sector.   

The project will be completed by November 2026.  

The Empower Legacy Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. 

How to Apply: 

  1. Read the Information sheet: EOI Empower Project
  2. Please complete the online Expression of Interest form 

If you would like more information or need support answering the questions, please call QDN on 1300 363 783 or email at empower@qdn.org.au.    

The closing date to receive applications is close of business (COB) Friday 9 of May 2025.  

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Wednesday 14 of May 2025 for interview by a selection panel. 

 

Stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, DIDRR Workshops, and Policy Forums, on our website. You can find this information under the 'Events' page and check the QDN Calendar for upcoming events.
QDN Events: https://qdn.org.au/events/

 

QDN Membership – spread the word

Do you know someone who should be a QDN member? Share this link them so they can have their voice heard and connect with peers and support networks across Queensland.

QDN Membership Application: https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/

From our Allies 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads | Survey opportunities  

Have your say!  

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is developing its new Disability Action Plan for improving accessibility of the Queensland passenger transport network. To help shape a meaningful plan that reflects the needs of people with disability, TMR has two surveys to capture your experiences and rate your priorities for improving the network. There is a survey for people with disability and a survey for carers. You can fill in whichever survey is most relevant to you.  

The survey is expected to take about 10 minutes to complete. The closing date for the survey is 9 May 2025.  

TMR is seeking broad and diverse representation, including from people in regional and rural areas. People who don’t use passenger transport are also encouraged to respond. So now is your chance to make a difference to the future of passenger transport accessibility – go ahead and have your say! 

To access the surveys, please follow these links:  

*If you would prefer a Word version of the surveys, or if you are having trouble accessing the surveys or for any other questions, please email TMRDisabilityactionplan@tmr.qld.gov.au.  

  

Feedback reporting feature in 13cabs app 

At 13cabs, we’re focused on making travel more accessible and reliable for everyone — including people living with a disability. 

 For the best experience when booking, tracking your trip, or providing feedback, we recommend using the 13cabs Passenger App.  

 Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your 13cabs app: 

  1. Preferred Driver Option
    After completing a trip, passengers who rate their driver positively will be prompted to add that driver as a Preferred Driver. This means future trip requests will be offered to preferred drivers first when they are nearby. If none are available, the request will be sent to other drivers in the area immediately — with no delay to the booking.
  1. Submitting a Complaint or Enquiry
    Passengers can easily submit feedback, complaints or general enquiries directly through the app. This can be done by selecting the main menu (three lines in the top left corner), choosing Contact Us, and answering a few quick questions. Once submitted, passengers receive a personal response from the team within 48 business hours.   
  1. Travelling with an Assistance Animal
    Passengers who travel with an assistance animal can note this in their app profile. This can be done by selecting the main menu (three lines in the top left corner), choosing Profile at the top, then switching on the toggle next to "Will you be travelling with an assistance animal?". This helps the support team prioritise these bookings and ensures appropriate follow-up if needed.  


Stories That Matter – Disability & Resilience in the Bush 

Life in Outback Queensland comes with unique challenges—but also incredible resilience and community spirit. 

Their new video series, "Living the Best Life in the Bush with Disability," tells the powerful real-life stories of people with disability thriving in remote Queensland. 

  • Adam Ballard – A Longreach local with Williams Syndrome who’s built a meaningful life through work, volunteering, and radio.
  • Daisy Walton – A First Nations woman with a visual impairment embracing creativity, confidence, and new skills. 
  • Jacques Jacobie – A determined advocate who, after a spinal cord injury, returned to work and pushed 29km in his wheelchair to raise funds for a friend. 

These stories highlight both the challenges and the triumphs of living with disability in remote areas. 

Watch now → www.oil.org.au/stories 

Please take a moment to watch, share, and amplify these voices. Disability in the bush deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. 


ASID Conference 

ASID 2025 Conference Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future will be held in November 2025. The conference will include people who are committed to improving the lives of people with an intellectual disability. They are asking for Abstracts from people who would like to present at the conference. 

Learn more on: https://asidconference.com.au/call-for-abstracts/ 

QDN Membership  

If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:  https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/  

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