Illawarra Advocacy

18/06/2026

What does inclusion mean to you?

Inclusion looks different for everyone. It might be being welcomed in your community, having your voice heard, accessing the support you need, or having the same opportunities as everyone else.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we believe that people with disability should be included in all aspects of community life and have the opportunity to make choices about the things that matter to them.

We'd love to hear from you.

What is one thing that helps you feel included in your community?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.

17/06/2026

Do you have a story to tell?

The ABC is looking for people with disability to share their stories as part of this year's International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) celebrations. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with ABC producers to create content that can be shared across ABC platforms.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people with lived experience of disability to have their voices heard, challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and share stories that matter to them and their communities. The ABC is seeking original, non-fiction story ideas from Australians with disability.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we know that people with disability are the experts in their own lives, and their stories help create understanding, inclusion and positive change.
Read more about the opportunity here:

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/abc-is-looking-for-storytellers-for-international-day-of-people-with-disability/ar-AA25dHnj?ocid=BingNewsSerp

If you are an emerging content maker or journalist with disability and have a story to tell, now is your chance to work with the ABC to tell it.

16/06/2026

Making and maintaining social connections can have a big impact on our wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging.

This article highlights a new app designed to help people build meaningful social connections and reduce isolation. Technology can be a useful tool for bringing people together, creating opportunities to meet others with shared interests and strengthen community participation.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we know that social inclusion and community connection are important for people with disabilities.

We encourage everyone to explore opportunities that help build friendships, confidence and participation in everyday life.
Read the article here:

https://linkonline.com.au/new-app-to-improve-social-connection/

ConnectUp is a new, co-designed app helping people with disabilities and carers discover accessible local activities and build genuine social connections.

16/06/2026

Reminder: Free My Health Matters Workshops are coming up next week!

If you have an intellectual disability and would like to feel more confident talking about your health, these free workshops from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and the Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) are for you.

Learn how to use the My Health Matters folder, an Easy Read resource that can help you communicate with doctors, nurses, support workers and other health professionals.

📍 Ulladulla Health One – 25 June
📍 Dapto Health One – 26 June

Supporters are welcome and places are limited, so book early!

See the original post below for full details and registration information.

My Health Matters is an Easy Read folder made to improve communication between people with intellectual disability and their health providers.

15/06/2026

Many people with disabilities, families, carers and advocates are feeling uncertain about the proposed changes to the NDIS.

This ABC Radio National story explores concerns being raised by the disability community about how these changes could affect access to supports, services and everyday participation in community life. Disability advocates say many people are feeling scared, anxious and unsure about what the future may hold.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we know how important it is that people with disabilities have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. We encourage people to stay informed, seek advice when needed, and continue sharing their experiences with policymakers and decision-makers.

Listen to the ABC Radio National discussion here:

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-radio-national-hour/ndis-scared-changes/106787402

It’s the biggest change ever mooted to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and disability advocates are warning it could push hundreds of thousands of people off vital support without any other programs that can assist them.

11/06/2026

If you or someone you know is looking for disability advocacy, support, or information, we encourage you to visit our website.

Our website provides information about our services, how advocacy can help, and the referral process. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, a family member, friend, or client, you can easily submit a referral or make an enquiry online.

Illawarra Advocacy is committed to supporting people with disability to understand their rights, have their voices heard and access the assistance they need.

Visit our website today to learn more, submit a referral, or contact our team with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and helping where we can.

https://illawarraadvocacy.org.au/

We provide free, independent advocacy to support people with disability in navigating challenges, upholding their rights, and accessing essential services. Our person-centred approach ensures fair treatment and meaningful outcomes.

10/06/2026

The NSW Government's Createability Internship Program is creating meaningful opportunities for talented creatives with disability and those who are deaf to gain paid industry experience across arts, screen and music organisations.

This year marks the largest Createability program to date, with 16 interns placed across 14 organisations, including regional and Western Sydney hosts. Illawarra Advocacy is especially excited to see local Wollongong festival organiser Yours & Owls Events among the participating organisations, helping to create pathways for emerging creatives to gain valuable industry experience close to home.

The program provides hands-on experience, professional development, industry connections and pathways to long-term employment. Research has shown that many participants go on to secure further work in the creative industries as a direct result of their internship experience.

Initiatives like Createability demonstrate the value of inclusive employment and the importance of ensuring people with disability have access to opportunities to share their talents, skills and creativity.

Read more about the program and this year's inspiring cohort here:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/create-nsw/news/createability-hosts-interns

The NSW Government’s trailblazing Createability program has selected 16 talented interns to embark on paid internship roles with 14 arts, screen and music industry organisations - the largest cohort of interns and host organisations the program has ever seen.

09/06/2026

Do you have an intellectual disability and want to feel more confident talking about your health?

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and the Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) are running two free workshops to help people understand and use the My Health Matters folder.

The My Health Matters folder is an Easy Read resource that helps you talk with doctors, nurses, support workers and other health professionals about your health.

In the workshop you will learn:
- How to use the My Health Matters folder
- Why it is helpful
- Who can help you fill it in
- How your health information is kept private
- About other useful CID resources

📍 Ulladulla Health One
🗓 Thursday 25 June
⏰ 2:00pm – 3:00pm

📍 Dapto Health One
🗓 Friday 26 June
⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm

Supporters are welcome to attend. Easy Read flyers available on request. Places are limited, so book early!

To register, email:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]

OR Phone: 0436 910 478

My Health Matters is an Easy Read folder made to improve communication between people with intellectual disability and their health providers.

08/06/2026

Young carers play an invaluable role in supporting family members living with disability, chronic illness, mental ill-health, or other health conditions. Yet too many are paying a personal price for their caring responsibilities.

New research highlighted by SBS News shows that young carers are more likely to fall behind at school and experience financial hardship later in life. Advocates are calling for greater support, increased funding, and better identification of young carers to ensure they don't fall through the cracks.

Behind every statistic is a young person balancing school, friendships and their own wellbeing while caring for someone they love. They deserve recognition, understanding and practical support to help them thrive.

Read and watch the SBS News report here:

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/advocates-call-for-more-support-for-young-carers-falling-behind/w069lkhee

New research shows young people who take on care-giving responsibilities are more likely to fall behind in school and experience financial stress, including unemployment and lower superannuation balances as they grow up. Nonprofit organisation Little Dreamers is calling for more funding for young…

07/06/2026

Every person deserves safe, equitable healthcare, yet Australians with intellectual disability continue to experience significantly poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of preventable deaths and avoidable hospitalisations. This is not acceptable.

This powerful ABC News story highlights the urgent need for a health system that understands, respects and responds to the needs of people with disability. Advocates, researchers and families are calling for practical reforms, including better disability training for healthcare professionals and improved access to appropriate care.

Avoidable deaths are not inevitable. They are a call to action.
We must work together to ensure people with disabilities receive the quality healthcare they deserve and that their lives are valued equally in every part of our health system.

Read the article here:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-03/stopping-avoidable-disability-deaths/106756384

Sarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.