Developmental Disability WA

What if some of the things we believe about disability just aren’t true? 🤔

John and Theresa from DDWA have kicked off their work on a new podcast - Speaking Up in the Bush.

Each episode will take on a different common myth about disability and use real evidence and lived experience to inform, empower, and shift thinking.

Part of a national project funded by Inclusion Australia, the podcast will focus on helping people with disability in rural and remote areas understand self-advocacy and gain the tools to speak up.

As John shared: “We deeply care about people with disabilities, and we want this podcast to be an invaluable tool for all people with disability, their families and carers going forward.”

Is there a myth about disability you wish would be busted?
Share it with us in the comments below.

Speak Out Association of Tasmania has been shortlisted for the MyState Bank Community Choice Award, a one-off $25,000 grant celebrating 25 years of the MyState Foundation.

One lucky organisation will win a $25,000 grant for young Tasmanians.

Voting is open until Monday 29 June.

You can vote here: https://mystate.com.au/about-us/community/mystate-foundation/community-choice-award/ -form

Good luck Speak Out!

In a WA first, Curtin University is launching a new course for people with intellectual disability. 🎓

At DDWA we believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. This program is an important step in recognising that everyone deserves the chance to learn and help shape our society.

We are proud to be co-facilitating an information session with Curtin University, where you can find out more about this exciting opportunity.

Register here: https://tr.ee/Curtin-University-Course

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Information Session - Curtin University Course
Date: Wednesday 22 July, 2026
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Place: City West Lotteries House - 2 Delhi Street, West Perth
Cost: Free, registration is essential.

Ready to make your communication clearer and more inclusive? Our Introduction to Easy Read workshop will teach you the skills you need to create your own Easy Read documents.

Become the star of your team with your ability to turn complex information into easy-to-understand content using simple language, images and accessible layouts.

This workshop is perfect for anyone working in communication, disability, health, education or community services - sign up now to start creating your own Easy Read resources!

To register, visit: https://tr.ee/Easy-Read-July

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Introduction to Easy Read workshop
Date: Tuesday 7 July
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Place: City West Lotteries House
Cost: $125 Members | $175 Non-members

A message from DDWA on the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Bill.

While continuing our daily advocacy, our team has been working to make sure the voices and concerns of our community are heard.

The Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Bill received over 4,500 submissions. 8 of these came directly from the DDWA head office team.

Our team have also written to their local MPs and senators. This has led to positive and constructive talks about the planned changes.

Our advocacy is also being heard nationally. Maeve Kennedy, CEO of our peak body Inclusion Australia, spoke on the news calling for a pause to the NDIS Bill changes.

The Senate Committee have asked for more time to look at the submissions received. A report will now be given this Friday 19 June.

We hear you and we are here to support you. 🫂

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the NDIS Bill.

(08) 9420 7203
[email protected]

Our June member newsletter is out now 📩

Check your inbox for the latest on upcoming DDWA workshops, free community events, opportunities to have your say and plenty more!

Not a DDWA member? It’s free for individuals and families to join.
Plus, get discounted workshop pricing and great resources delivered straight to you each month.

Become a member today, visit

Membership • Developmental Disability WA - DDWA DDWA membership is free for individuals and families - and there are three tiers of benefits for organisational members. By joining Developmental Disability WA you are joining the peak organisation in WA for people with intellectual and other developmental disability and their families, and the orga...

We know hospital visits can feel overwhelming for some children and young people, especially when routines change or environments feel unfamiliar.

Perth Children’s Hospital has launched a new neurodiversity affirming care resource, codeveloped with young people and families through the Keeping Kids in No Distress (KKIND) program.

The resource shares practical tips, helpful information and available supports to make hospital visits feel safer, calmer and more comfortable.

Access the resource here:https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Hospitals/PCH/General-documents/Our-Services/KKIND-Neurodiversity-affirming-care.pdf

There were over 4000 submissions to the Senate Inquiry last week and the vast majority of witnesses - even those who agree with these reforms - said the draft NDIS Bill should not pass in its current form.

The Shadow Minister has listened.
The Crossbench have listened.
The Greens have listened.

We call on the government to listen too.

We are hoping that the Senate Committee picks up the compelling evidence given when they pass down their report tomorrow.

We are here for our community, and we will continue to share accessible information.

WA teachers will be taught how to better support children with higher needs amid rising rates of disability diagnoses, after a report found public schools needed to do more.

STORY: https://ab.co/4g5HtA0

The state government has committed $16 million over the next four years for a professional learning hub that will include mandatory inductions for special needs education assistants and disability modules for graduate teachers.

"We have more children with complex needs. We know that more children are in the system with a diagnosis of disability," Education Minister Sabine Winton said.

A group of parents of children with disabilities says that while any focus on training is good, there is an urgent need for laws to change, too.

WA is the only state in the nation with a provision that allows a principal to deny enrolment to a student if a school does not have an "appropriate educational program", which the review found could be "a barrier for students with disability to enrol at their local school".

Do you have experience navigating the WA education with a child with disabilities? Or are you a teacher experienced in educating children with disabilities at a public school? We'd like to hear from you for a story we are working on. Let us know below 👇💬 Or get in contact with us via Messenger 📩: https://bit.ly/messageABCPerth

The Self Advocacy For Everyone Helpdesk helps people with disability and self-advocacy groups connect with each other across Australia.

The Helpdesk:
• Supports self-advocacy groups and people with disability
• Links groups together
• Shares advice on building strong and effective groups
• Supports self-advocates to join or start a group.

To contact the SAFE Helpdesk
Phone 1800 841 199
Mobile 0493 586 773
Email [email protected]