Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 2h

Powerd Media sat down with Jordan Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change.

Read more: https://loom.ly/nTSeN3c

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #AusPol

Text reading: Powerd Media sat down with Jordon Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera.

Text reading: In 2017, Mr Steele-John became the youngest Senator in the history of Australian politics as well as the first person with a physical disability to be elected at the ripe age of 23. As a result of his position, Parliament House was renovated to include a fully accessible office for Mr Steele-John and a wheelchair accessible space within the Parliamentary Chamber. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera.

Text reading: The Senator argues that climate change is a specific threat to the disability community. “We will all continue to live through climate…in a context where our emergency service systems so often let us down, so often think of us last and therefore put us at higher risk.” And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt smiling at the camera.

Text on a grey background reading: He went on to claim that the Australian government needs to improve the collaboration process with the disability community, specifically regarding the NDIS and the Thriving Kids initiative. “There should be services and supports that are in place beyond the NDIS, but they must actually meet community need rather than political expediency.”

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 3d

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 10th October 2025 by Disability Rights & Political Reporter Emma Myers.

Catch up on this weeks news: powerd.media/news/news-wr...

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 4d

Transport Minister provides update on Aviation sector for travellers with disability.

Powerd Media spoke with Minister for Transport, Catherine King about this issue: https://loom.ly/uU1_l84

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Transport #AirTravel #Planes

Text reading: Travellers with disability often face a broad range of systemic barriers when it comes to navigating the aviation industry, which is why the Australian government is currently in the process of co-designing eleven initiatives outlined in the Aviation White Paper, and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and red jacket.

Text reading: “This has already seen airports and airlines try to work out what they can do to lift their game, which is a good thing,” she says. The Minister referred to a trial where once a traveller with disability arrives at the airport terminal, there are coordinators who will take them through their entire journey. and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white hard hat and an orange high visibility jacket.

Text reading: As for the new Western Sydney Airport, Minister King explains the design was built in compliance with existing standards, but also “stretched as best as they can.” “It's not often you get to do an airport from scratch and that's what we've done,” she says, and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and red jacket.

Text reading: “Disability has been very much part of the Western Sydney Airport author's brief to actually make sure we do improve things for people with disabilities.” and a photo of Minister for Transport, Catherine King, a smiling woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white shirt and black jacket.

Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 4d

Literacy Legends - Rick &Dolly: A mission to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Tasmania

https://loom.ly/xn2raa0

ID: Banner for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - the name with colourful steam train drawing, Dolly at right in glasses, holding a book.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 5d

Disability ≠ Palatability.

@jasperpeachsays.bsky.social shares a story of disability palatability while exploring power, community, and entitlement.

Here are some select quotes from the article.

Read more: powerd.media/article/disa...

#Disability #Identity #Palatability #Power #Community

Text reading: It felt right to be less polite and grateful, less palatable. Jasper shares a story of disability palatability while exploring power, community, and entitlement. And an image of Jasper Peach in a denim jacket with a red, black, and white scarf around their neck.

Text reading: “In many ways we were a palatable example of disability. Ambulatory, verbal, white.” Deep in conversation with another white coated human who seemed curious and interested, I was mid-sentence when he turned his back on me. A more profitable conversation opportunity had appeared at his elbow. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a green shirt with pink short hair.

Text reading: There’s a lot in this, about trauma and community, solidarity and challenges, but the palatability aspect is what sticks out most for me. How in order to be heard, disabled people are usually expected to capitulate to the methods and access standards of our oppressors. And a photo of Jasper Peach, a non binary person in a yellow shirt and black jacket with pink short hair.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 6d

Children and Young People with Disability Australia voices community concerns revealed in Thriving Kids survey.

Read more: powerd.media/news/childre...

Warning: The full story on the Powerd website contains discussion of suicide.

#NDIS #ThrivingKids #AusPol #FoundationalSupports

Text reading: Children and Young People with Disability Australia voices community concerns revealed in Thriving Kids survey. Over 1500 families of children and young people with disability have responded to a nationwide survey conducted by Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), who sought feedback from the disability community after NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced the Thriving Kids initiative, back in August. And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

Text on a light brown background reading: Only 4% of survey respondents felt the rollout of Thriving Kids could be completed sufficiently.

Text on a light brown background reading: Three in four young people, parents and caregivers reported being worried, while one in two were scared or confused by the initiative.

Text reading: “Families and young people are really concerned about a lack of choice and control and individualized supports. We know that one size fits all never works, and so no matter what is delivered through Thriving Kids, it's really important that those individual needs can be met.” And a photo of Skye Kakoschke Moore, a smiling person with dark glasses and long hair.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 6d

For many families in Australia, access to appropriate childcare for children with profound disability is virtually impossible, but a new pilot program launching this month is looking to close the gap.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/new-chi...

#Childcare #Disabilty #Accessibility #Inclusion

Text reading: For many families in Australia, access to appropriate childcare for children with profound disability is virtually impossible, but a new pilot program launching this month is looking to close the gap. It is called the RippleAbility Respite Program, an initiative run by the RippleAbility paediatric service. The RippleAbility Respite Program is proposed to provide tailored care for children with complex needs, while also offering some much-needed support for their siblings and carers. And an image of Barbara Goodwin, a white woman smiling down at her child, she is wearing a white shirt.

Text reading: “I found the transition to school harder because he had never been out of care outside of home, and I think he missed out on that at the start. For us it was a decision where we said we wouldn't have gone anyway just because we were still finding our feet and things were very uncertain.” And an image of Barbara Goodwin, a white woman smiling down at her child, she is wearing a white shirt.

Text on a light pink background that says: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 567,000 children under five live with severe or profound disability, while the Department of Education reports that the average Australian family uses around 28 hours of subsidised childcare each week, yet no existing service is equipped to support their complex needs. RippleAbility argue that parents and caregivers occupying full-time caregiving roles receive little to no relief, often at the cost of their own wellbeing and identity.

Text reading: Ms Olaithe argues that although there are companies who are providing respite or providing care, there are limited places that are readily equipped for children with profound disabilities. “The kids that we're particularly interested in supporting need a high amount of medical care. particularly in that zero to five age range. There are just no childcare [places] that are suitable.” And an image of Michelle Olaithe, a smiling white woman who is wearing a white shirt and grey trousers.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 10d

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 3rd October 2025, featuring feedback on disability education standards, AI use in audio description, and calls for complex mental health to be categorised as a disability.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/news-wr...

The words News Wrap in black text on a green background.

Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 11d

Students with disability could see an improvement to their overall educational journey, as the Australian Government begins its review into the Disability Standards for Education.

Read more: powerd.media/news/governm...

#Education #Disabilty #Accessibility #Inclusion

Text reading: Students with disability could see an improvement to their overall educational journey, as the Australian Government begins its review into the Disability Standards for Education. To make sure the Australian education sector is supporting students with disability, the federal government is requesting feedback from the disability community. And a photo of Kathy Cologon a white woman with dark shoulder length hair.

Text reading: Caitlin Syer, who has an intellectual disability and is autistic , says she felt “ very segregated” during her high school years, where she was enrolled in segregated education. “I’d gone to a mainstream primary school and then was told I probably would be better suited for a disability school… I felt like I was railroaded.” And a photo of Caitlin Syer in a pink hoodie and hugging a small dog.

Text reading: Ms Syer believes segregated education is partially responsible for how people treat those with disability outside of the education system. “When you come out of the school system, people do not know how to talk to you or be around you because they have been separated from people with disabilities their whole life.” And a photo of Caitlin Syer smiling at the camera in a black sleeveless shirt.

Text reading: “My big hope is that we can have a bit more of an understanding of the need to move away from the idea that education for those of us who are disabled is optional or other to the core business of education.” And a photo of Kathy Cologon a white woman with dark shoulder length hair.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 12d

Disability Isn’t Optional - Representation and Access in the Music Industry.

In the music industry, equity, diversity, and inclusion are words we hear often, but they're not always reflected in action.

Read more: powerd.media/article/disa...

#Music #Disabilty #Accessibility

Text reading: In the music industry, equity, diversity, and inclusion are words we hear often, but they're not always reflected in action. I’ve seen countless organisations celebrating diversity that list gender, race, sexuality, and cultural background but continue to leave out disability entirely. This isn’t an oversight. It’s a pattern, and it’s contributing to our erasure in the industry. And a photo of Charlie, singing at a performance. She is wearing red lipstick and a white denim jacket.

Text reading: “This is the reality disabled artists face: speaking up often means being silenced, dismissed, or harassed. We are often told our inclusion can wait until later in diversity conversations that claim to be inclusive, and when the conversation is about us, it’s rarely with us.” The message right now is very clear: our participation is welcome only if it’s comfortable for others. And a photo of Charlie who has the wind in her hair covering her face, the beach and blue sky are in the background.

Text reading: Because my disabilities aren’t always obvious, many artists, venues, and industry workers often can’t see them. Assumptions get made about what I can do physically and mentally, which leads to a constant need to explain myself. While education is important with disability, often what I encounter is lack of care, layered with ableism. I’ve been in the music industry for thirteen years now navigating these barriers. As well as having a disability, I’m also a queer woman. Intersectionality adds extra layers of discrimination. And a photo of Charlie, this photo is a red, Charlie is laughing with head tilted backward

Black text on a light pink background reading: Equity means acknowledging that disability is not a separate issue. People with disabilities exist within all marginalised groups; we are women, First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, people of colour, and gender diverse. Accessibility must be non-negotiable. If representation matters, then disabled artists and industry workers must be visible as an essential and fundamental part of the industry.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 13d

Many within the complex mental health community are calling for their conditions to be recognised as legitimate disability, arguing they experience similar symptoms and discriminatory attitudes.

Read more: powerd.media/news/mental-...

#MentalHealth #ComplexMentalIllness #SaneAustralia

Text on a grey background that reads: Many within the complex mental health community are calling for their conditions to be recognised as legitimate disability. Heidi Everett argues that complex mental health should be considered a disability because the conditions arise from developmental issues, coping mechanisms and social determinants relating to ableist attitudes. And an image of Heidi Everett sitting on a wooden stool in a laneway.

Text that reads: According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, mental health conditions can be both a cause and an effect of disability, and often involve activity limitations and participation restrictions beyond communication, mobility and self-care. James Harkness lives with schizoaffective disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. And an image of James Harkness, in a dark suit with his arms folded across his chest.

Text that reads: Mr Harkness explains what a psychotic episode feels like: “I can't concentrate on anything because I experience delusional thoughts. I get what's called ideas of reference, which is where I'll read a newspaper or watch something on TV or listen to the radio and think there's secret messages for me.” However, Mr Harkness clarifies that although he knows his condition can make some people feel uncomfortable and unsafe, he says he is more likely to hurt himself. And an image of James Harkness, in a blue suit jacket with a green jumper.

Text on a grey background that reads: An estimated 880,000 Australians over 18 years of age are living with complex mental illness in any year, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, along with many others, according to Sane Australia. Sane Australia’s peer-led Recovery Program Manager, Anu Dhingra, argues that it is important to recognise the intersectionality between different forms of disability and additional life circumstances. Mr Dhingra says Sane is dedicated to providing cohesive service and well rounded support to anyone who requires it.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 17d

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 26th September, featuring youth detention and disability, NDIS assessment tools, paracetamol, and a public NDIS appeals database.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/Plo_mzQ

ID: The words News Wrap in black text on a green background.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 17d

New NDIS assessment tool sparks concern among disability community

Many in the disability community have been sharing their thoughts online after NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister announced a new needs assessment tool this week.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/new-ndi...

#NDIS #Disability #AusPol

Text reading: Many in the disability community have been sharing their thoughts online after NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister announced a new needs assessment tool this week. The tool is called the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN), which is being marketed by the Albanese Government as something which could make it easier for people with disability and their families to navigate the NDIS. And an image of Minister Jenny McAllister in a blue suit.

Text reading: The NDIS Review released its final report back in July, with recommendations for a clearer planning process to assess disability support needs and build plan budgets. The needs assessment tool is said to be applied by NDIS agency assessors alongside questionnaires assessing participants personal and environmental circumstances, according to the press release. And an image of Minister Jenny McAllister in a red suit.

Text on a blue background, reading: Various users took to Facebook to claim that many NDIS employees don’t understand disability, and question the qualifications of the people who will be in charge of using the tool. “They need to be degree holding health professionals… a glorified admin officer has no place in determining disability funding which can impact lives significantly.”

Text reading: The University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies say they are working with the NDIA to use and modify the I-CAN tool to ensure it is fit-for-purpose. The new needs assessment tool is set be introduced from the middle of 2026. And an image of Minister Jenny McAllister in a red suit.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 18d

Young people with disability overrepresented in youth detention.

There is growing concern about the overwhelming number of children and young people with disability serving time in Australia’s youth detention centres.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/young-p...

Text saying: There is growing concern about the overwhelming number of children and young people with disability serving time in Australia’s youth detention centres, where they are faced with additional challenges, which can lead to further vulnerability, according to National Legal Aid. And a photo of Jodie Griffiths-Cook, smiling with dark hair and thing dark glasses. She is wearing a blue top and dark jacket.

Text saying: “The kids with disability who are in our youth detention systems… are often there because of compounding intergenerational challenges that haven't been adequately dealt with.” Jodie Griffiths-Cook. And a photo of Jodie Griffiths-Cook, smiling into the camera. She has dark curly hair and is wearing a black top and dark jacket.

Text saying: “The government has subscribed to the Disability Justice Strategy… to ideally reduce the number of people with disability who inadvertently find themselves caught within the justice space. By working directly with people with disability at the point of initial contact with the courts, supports like the PAL enable more effective solutions that improve outcomes for court users while also reducing costs for the justice system itself.” Jodie Griffiths-Cook. And a photo of childrens dark skinned hands on a fence.

Text on a blue background saying: Commissioner Griffiths-Cook also points to strategies like the Intermediary Program, which allows police or courts to request an intermediary to help a vulnerable person, such as someone with a disability, give their best evidence or get a fair trial. This can involve communication support or advising the court to slow down proceedings or take regular breaks, according to the ACT Human Rights Commission.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 24d

Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 19th September, featuring the National Adaptation Plan & calls for disability consultation on climate plans.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/s1wtLSk

ID: Minister Chris Bowen speaking outdoors. He is wearing a light blue collared shirt and a dark jacket.

Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 25d

Environmental educator calls for disability consultation on climate action plan.

Ms Brennan argues that climate change poses a significant risk to people with disability...

Read more:
powerd.media/news/environ...

#Environment #ClimateChange #Disability #Climate

Text saying: Like most Australians, many in the disability community are living with the consequences of climate change. However, those with disability are often faced with higher rates of comorbidity as a direct result of rising temperatures, according to the recently released National Adaptation Plan released by Chris Bowen MP - Minister for Climate Change and Energy this week. And a photo of Chris Bowen speaking outside in a dark jacket and light blue shirt.

Text saying: As a survivor of the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, environmental educator Eav Brennan - who lives with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and PTSD, argues that climate change poses a significant risk to people with disability. “It's often disabled people that get left behind.” she says. And a photo of Eav Brennan, outdoors and smiling, in a brown sunhat

Text saying" The environmental advocate explains how the risk from climate related disasters is set to increase to moderate to high by 2050, effecting access to healthcare facilities, support systems and other government services. Ms Brennan is urging the Federal Government and peak bodies to actively consult with the disability community cohesively rather than deferring to a segregated action plan. And a photo of Eav Brennan in red and purple, crouching and smiling while holding a flower.

Text on a blue background: Ms Brennan argues that people with disability can produce solutions that will benefit all Australians, but only if all parties work together. “There's a lot of talk about vulnerability, but disabled people are incredibly adaptive, strong and resilient,” she says. “We have skills that able-bodied people don't get to hone because they don't need to, and they are incredibly useful in the challenge of climate adaptation.”

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · 28d

How National Adaptation Plan will help Australians with disability impacted by climate change.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, says the plans will help Australians live with the consequences of climate change.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/how-nat...

Minister Chris Bowen speaking outdoors. He is wearing a light blue collared shirt and a dark jacket. The text says: Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, says Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan will help Australians live with the consequences of climate change.

Minister Chris Bowen in a dark shirt and jacket. The Powerd name and audio elements icon are at the top. The post text says: The National Adaptation Plan outlines the need for disaster preparedness, risk management plans and public emergency responses to be inclusive for people with disability, as stated in Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031. “This includes supporting physical and mental wellbeing of people with disability.” 5.5 million Australians live with disability, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Powerd name and audio elements icon are at the top. The text says: The Department of Health, Disability and Aging will lead the development of the subsequent Health National Adaptation Plan, which will align with the National Adaptation Plan, providing a national coordinating framework aiming to support the health and wellbeing of all Australians in a changing climate. In the meantime, Mr Bowen says every degree of warming prevented now will help future generations avoid the worst aspects of climate change.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 12

Weekly wrap of news from Powerd for the week ending Friday 25th July 2025, featuring thoughts on Thriving Kids and a film that gets disability representation right

Read more:
https://loom.ly/UGEtJg4

ID: A smiling headshot of actor John Jarrett, with a light beard and grey hair

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 8

Australian film ‘What About Sal?’ gets disability representation right.

Now, a film that showcases the intricacies of aging parents, disability and unconditional love has hit Australian screens.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/austral...

A smiling John Jarrett and the words: What About Sal? stars Gerard O’Dwyer as a thirty-something year old man with Down Syndrome who, upon his mother being diagnosed with terminal cancer and fearing he will be placed in a group home, goes in search of his father, played by John Jarrett, who also wrote and directed the film.

Text on a blue green gradient background: Mr Jarrett, who has over 100 screen credits to his name, believes the reason the film resonates so well with people is because the character is very close to how Mr O’Dwyer operates. “That's why that rings pretty true, you know? Gerard’s amazing. It's a really special film.”

Image of John Jarrett and Gerard O'Dwyer from What About Sal? and the text: What About Sal? is available to stream now.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 5

Welcome to Powerd's weekly news wrap, featuring NDIS bureaucracy updates, more concerns about Thriving Kids, and an explainer of how occupational therapy supports families.

https://loom.ly/OZqR5_A

ID: Hands typing on a laptop, with a phone and pen sitting next to it on the desk.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 5

First Nations disability initiative fights for better inclusion in universities.

Many First Nations people living with disability could soon see improvements to their university experience, thanks to a new $2 million initiative.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/first-n...

A photo of Daniels-Mays in a red shirt and jacket with short brown hair and glasses. Text that says: Many First Nations people living with disability could soon see improvements to their university experience, thanks to a new $2 million initiative. Some of the BlakAbility participants reported being vilified based on their intersecting identities, according to the Associate Professor. “So you are Aboriginal, and you have disabilities and you have chronic health conditions. You are too much of a problem for us,’” Ms Daniels-Mays recalls.

A photo of Daniels-Mays in a red shirt and jacket with short brown hair and glasses. Universities have not acknowledged the intersectional needs of students and employees. “As a First Nation student with disability, you talk with the Indigenous student services and talk to the other services about disability. So, you've got to tell your whole story again.”

The BlakAbility project is working with equity leaders at universities to improve the student service experience. The first step to improve the First Nations disability experience in universities is to recognise thinking of disability as part of human nature.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 5

Evidence that Works.

New Expert Panel to Guide NDIS — and Save Dollars While at It

Read more:
https://loom.ly/4HGFv3c

ID: Minister Jenny McAllister in a blue suit.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 4

Advocacy group calls for calm amid Thriving Kids concern.

Many in the autistic community remain angry and confused following the recent announcement of the Thriving Kids program.

Read more:
powerd.media/news/advocac...

#NDIS #FoundationalSupports #ThrivingKids #Inklings #Autism #Autistic

A photo of Mark Butler in a dark suit and red tie, and the words: Many in the autistic community remain angry and confused following the recent announcement of the Thriving Kids program. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Mark Butler, claims the move was made to ensure the NDIS remains financially sustainable. The Australian Autism Alliance took issue with the language used: “Policy must adopt a neurodiversity-affirming lens, in line with the National Autism Strategy.”

A photo of Nicole Rogerson in a white shirt and dark suit jacket, and the words: Autism Awareness Australia (AAA) CEO, Nicole Rogerson, made a point of reassuring the autistic community. “ I know people are going to be nervous,” she says. “I’m all for judging governments when they do things wrong, but at this point in time, we don’t know enough to really judge it.”

A grey tile with black writing: For Ms Rogerson claims that the Thriving Kids program is a great opportunity for those caring for, as well as living with, autism and developmental delays. It is worth noting that the Director of Autism Awareness Australia is Professor Andrew Whitehouse, one of the developers of the Inklings initiative. The Autism Awareness Australia CEO says the government must work closely with experts in the field of child development in order to produce a satisfactory program. “If you're going to make a big change, we need…to make sure what we end up designing is actually going to support those children the way they need.

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Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 2

Advocacy group calls for calm amid Thriving Kids concern.

Thriving Kids and the responses from the community.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/8ArAwUs

ID: Nicole Rogerson a white woman with blonde hair in a black suit jacket and white shirt.

Powerd Media @powerdmedia.bsky.social · Sep 1

Chloé Hayden believes the “Thriving Kids” announcement, and the harmful language used to justify it, marks a step backward.

Read more:
https://loom.ly/MQDzDw4

ID: Chole Hayden crouching &holding a sign saying "Centre disabled people in disabled discussions".

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