Summer Foundation

02/06/2026

Hear international expert Dr Angela Amado speak at our upcoming webinar In what ways has the NDIS undermined social relationships for people with disability — and how do we fix it?

This is your chance to challenge assumptions, hear fresh perspectives, and be part of shaping change.

Register now to secure your place.

https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/event-webinar-social-relationships-ndis/

12/05/2026

Are we building real connection, or replacing it with paid support?

Join internationally recognised inclusion expert Dr Angela Amado for a powerful 90-minute webinar on belonging, relationships, and the role of the NDIS.

Angela will be joined by a panel of sector leaders to explore practical ways to strengthen belonging for people with disability and build more inclusive communities.

This is your chance to challenge assumptions, hear fresh perspectives, and be part of shaping change.

Register now to secure your place.

https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/event-webinar-social-relationships-ndis/

04/05/2026

Pressure is mounting on NSW and WA to adopt minimum accessibility standards for new housing after Treasury found that consistent implementation of NCC is crucial to improve construction sector productivity.

Last week a report from Treasury emphasised the efficiency benefits when the National Construction Code is implemented consistently across the country. Yet NSW and WA are undermining this by dragging their heels on implementing the Livable Housing Design Standard. Not only are these jurisdictions continuing to build homes that aren’t fit for all Australians – they are also undermining an efficient and productive construction sector.

There’s no more time for delay. NSW and WA should commit to accessible homes for all Australians.

20/04/2026

What does it look like when people with disability choose to live together? 🏡 For these mates, who moved into an SDA house, it’s all about the comforts of home and laughs with friends. Welcome to Nick, Luke and Marty’s share house. 👋

Watch the full video at: http://bit.ly/4sCGidT

13/04/2026

Today we’re releasing the final episode of the Summer Foundation’s Reasonable & Necessary podcast.

Find out what's happening behind the scenes of the biggest changes to the NDIS.

In this final episode, Dr George Taleporos speaks with El Gibbs and Dougie Herd, Co-Chairs of the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee, to unpack what these reforms could mean for people with disability and their families.

They also talk about the importance of choice in housing and supports and the need for a specialist navigator role to help people explore and design arrangements that work for them.

As the podcast comes to a close, we thank Dr George Taleporos for his role as host and his contribution since 2018 and wish him all the best as he takes the podcast forward independently. ☀️

Don’t miss this final episode.🎙️ Links in the comments.👇

10/04/2026

Monday 13 April marks the final episode of Reasonable & Necessary as part of the Summer Foundation.

After more than nine years with the organisation, Dr George Taleporos is moving on to his next chapter.

Since launching the podcast in 2018, George has helped build it into a leading voice on the NDIS through his insight, curiosity and commitment.

We’re incredibly proud of what the podcast has achieved and deeply grateful for George’s contribution over the years.

The good news? George will continue the podcast as an independent project, with more important conversations ahead.

Tune in Monday for the final episode with us 🎧

Read our full statement in the comments below.

09/04/2026

✨ Join our Innovation Council in a paid role for 12 months and help shape new ideas in housing and support. ✨

We are looking for someone who is interested in new ideas, especially around modern housing and support options for people with disability.

We are especially interested in people who have lived experience and understand what it’s like to need high levels of support, including support available 24/7.

If you’d like to share your experience by being part of an advisory group, you can follow the link below to find out more or apply.

https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/who-we-are/work-with-us/job-opportunities/

07/04/2026

A night of comedy. A legacy that still shapes how we think about disability.

This Melbourne International Comedy Festival show brings together a powerhouse lineup to celebrate the late Stella Young, comedian, activist, and a voice that changed the conversation.

Funds raised go towards Stella: I Am Not Your Inspiration, a documentary continuing the work she started.

📍 Malthouse Theatre, 11 April
🎟️ Grab your tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/stella-young-documentary-benefit-show/

A who’s who of comedy is uniting to raise funds for a documentary celebrating much-loved comedian and disability activist – the late, great Stella Young.

17/03/2026

NSW is falling behind on accessible housing.

Other states have already committed to the Livable Housing Design Standard. It’s time for NSW to step up and ensure new homes are built safer, more accessible, and ready for the future. 🏡

10/03/2026

What happens to a person with disability when their parents are no longer there to care for them?

It’s a question thousands of Australian families live with every day.

In this powerful ABC story, Deirdre Croft reflects on 45 years caring for her son Richard, who has an intellectual disability and needs 24/7 support. Like many parents, she carries a question that keeps her awake at night: who will look after my child when I’m gone?

Their story highlights the urgent need for housing options, sustainable support, and long-term planning so people with disability can live good lives in the community.

No family should have to face this uncertainty alone.

Read and share this important story. 💛

Full episode of Australian Story in the comments. 📺⬇️

Deirdre Croft has dedicated 45 years to caring and advocating for her intellectually disabled son, Richard. Each passing day brings more pressure to secure his future when she's gone. It's a distressing scenario thousands of Australian parents face.