Disability Rights and Culture

We’re not going back.
To the abuse, the neglect, the exploitation and the discrimination experienced by people with intellectual disability before the NDIS.

It hasn’t been perfect but the NDIS - and what it promised - is worth fighting for.

Be part of the conversation at VALID’s Advocacy in Action Conference on June 22 & 23, 2026

From 9.00am to 4.30pm at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre.

To register, go to Humanitix at: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026

Please contact the VALID Office for more information.

Phone: (03) 9416 4003. Email: [email protected]

Image Description:
Text: “WE’RE NOT GOING BACK. Voices must be heard. The future must include us.”
Collage of photos featuring self advocates speaking up at last year’s Advocacy in Action conference.
Along the bottom an orange banner with the graphic of a person holding a megaphone. Text: “June 22 and 23. Advocacy in Action Conference 2026. Register Now.”

Throwback to last year's Disability Pride Celebration!

We can't wait to take over Trades Hall this year on 31 July.

Have you booked your free ticket yet?

This year we have a professional showcase with Drag, Comedy and Storytelling.
Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/disability-pride-celebration-2026-tickets-1987801590066?aff=oddtdtcreator

Real change happens when people organise together.

That's why the Disability Movement is asking Deaf and Disabled Victorians and their allies to help shape our draft election platform.

The platform sets out what together we will be demanding from political parties and candidates, but the bigger goal is to collectively fight for our community together.

We're organising for long-term change, stronger communities, and a future where Disabled people have real power in decisions that affect our lives.

Read the draft, share your ideas, challenge what we've missed, and help build a platform that reflects the experiences and priorities of Disabled people across Victoria.

📖 Read the draft platform

LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19be6Ht3GQVfRCQsey8w3-pVDMPFNcSRwpIhdEQuAfiM/edit?usp=sharing

📝 Complete the survey (at the bottom of the draft) or send feedback to: [email protected]

Alt text: Illustrated promotional graphic for the Disability Movement. The background is dark blue with a cartoon-style person waving and a speech bubble above them. Large text reads: “Your Campaign. Your Voice.” with the word “Voice” highlighted in green. Below, a text box reads: “Help shape the Disability Movement’s state Election Platform and make sure it’s for all Disabled Victorians.” A call-to-action box at the bottom reads: “Read our draft and fill in the survey or send an email to [email protected]”.The graphic encourages people to provide feedback on the Disability Movement’s draft state

Disability Pride Celebration is on 31 July 2-5pm at Trades Hall Carlton (and online!)

Book your FREE ticket now via: https://drc.org.au/

We'll have exciting performances, games and prizes, and a chance to connect and celebrate with the community.

Share this post!

Help us spread the word!

If you have any questions, please email us: [email protected]

fans

This is disability pride.

On Saturday, DRC joined activists and advocates across the nation to protest against the cuts to the NDIS. Tonight the government will hand down a budget that is set to greatly affect the lives of disabled people. Our demands are that no one is to be left behind and no changes should be made to the NDIS without the leadership and expertise of disabled people.

Join us here this Saturday!

The NDIS changes are a lot to take in.

You might be feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, or just, in shock.

We don’t have all the answers yet.

But, you are not alone.

Stay connected.
Talk to others.

If you need a space to debrief in solidarity, you can find the Belong community on our DRC website.

Belong is a radically inclusive community, created for and by disabled people.

Excellent cartoon by James Hillier in light of the NDIS news.

Image description:
A two-panel meme template. The top panel shows two large red buttons or switches mounted on a gray surface: Cut 160,000 people off the NDIS vs Make Gas Giants pay their fair share
The second panel is a drawing of Anthony Albanese wiping sweat from his brow, apparently having trouble choosing...