VALID

16/12/2025

Power through Knowledge- End of Year Gathering

Last week we gathered with some of our incredible participants and their carers for an end-of-year celebration; a moment to reflect on everything we have learned, shared, and achieved together through VALID’s “Power Through Knowledge” project.

The group enjoyed a warm catch-up over a light lunch, where we revisited this year’s sessions, celebrated personal growth, and listened to their reflections on what these workshops have meant to them.
What touched us most were the stories and insights shared so openly:

💬 “I realised I’m not alone- hearing others’ stories helped me feel understood.”
💬 “I learned that I have rights, and I don’t have to stay quiet when something feels wrong.”
💬 “My son could never express himself like this anywhere else, but here he learned new ways to communicate.”
💬 “I thought I had to do everything for my son, but now I know I should let him make decisions too and support him in the process.”

These words reflect the heart of our work at VALID: building knowledge, confidence, self-advocacy, and community connection.

We feel grateful for the trust, honesty, and courage shown by every participant and carer who joined us throughout 2025. Looking forward to working with everyone again next year.

Email us on sorgul@valid.org.au or call 0490 101 953. You can also fill out this Registration Form and we will contact yo https://sorgul.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=OLbsmHDZRwEECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

14/12/2025

Changes to disability employment services don’t need to be overwhelming.

At Having a Say 2026, Inclusion Australia will break down what’s changing and what it means for people with disability, families and supporters – all in Plain English.

If you want to stay informed and confident about the new system, this session is a must.

Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/having-a-say-2026

Having a Say Conference I VALID

11/12/2025

VALID’s Self Advocacy Network groups came together to mark the end of the year with a celebration. Members enjoyed a delicious meal, shared stories, and connected with one another.

Throughout the year, the networks have hosted rich discussions and welcomed inspiring guest speakers including representatives from Police, VEC, Metro Trains, OPA, Health DLO, PTO, NDIS Commission, Rainbow Rights and Whitehorse City Council.

The most rewarding highlight has been watching members grow in confidence, speaking up on important issues, offering feedback to improve services, and engaging guest speakers with thoughtful questions.

This year has been one of learning, empowerment, and advocacy. We look forward to building on this into the new year.

10/12/2025

Registration fees subsidy is available for regular attendees at Having a Say (HaS) conference. Email havingasay@valid.org.au for more information.

10/12/2025

We encourage artists with intellectual disability to get involved in this great opportunity!
The competition is free, open to non-professional artists across Australia, and plays an important role in shaping national health research through co-design.

If you’re an artist or know someone who is, take a look at the details and consider entering. Your creativity and lived experience matter.

09/12/2025

VALLID’s Self Advocacy team at SARU Deadly’s Film Launch
Members of VALID’s Self Advocacy team were honoured to attend the launch of Being Deadly — a powerful documentary created by The Deadly First Nations Shout Out Group (The Deadlys). This inspiring self-advocacy group is run by and for First Nations people with an intellectual disability or acquired brain injury in Victoria. The team listened to “the Deadly” shared their story alongside filmmaker Terry Melvin. The event took place at Koorie Trust, Federation Square on 2nd December. This event was a celebration of culture, strength, and self-advocacy.

07/12/2025

This year, our individual advocates supported hundreds of people to speak up, understand their rights and navigate complex systems.

From NDIS reviews to safeguarding issues, the team worked alongside people with disability to make sure their voices were heard and their choices respected.

Thank you to everyone who trusted us to stand beside you.

https://valid.org.au/advocacy/

04/12/2025

💙🧡 Congratulations, Luke!

We’re thrilled to share that Luke Nelson has been awarded the Frank Hall-Bentick Achievement Award, presented by Disability Rights and Culture (DRC).

This award celebrates people who make a real difference in advancing disability rights and disability pride – and Luke does exactly that. His leadership, his commitment to self advocacy and the way he uses lived experience to create change are at the heart of what makes VALID stronger.

It’s a fantastic milestone and so well deserved.
Congratulations, Luke!

04/12/2025

💜 Volunteer at Having a Say 2026!

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help make the Having a Say Conference an amazing and accessible experience for everyone.

As a volunteer, you’ll help people with disability take part in sessions, move around the venue and get the most out of their three days at the conference.

Having a Say is Australia’s biggest self advocacy conference, running 27 to 29 January 2026 in Geelong. It’s welcoming, energetic and full of community spirit – and your support really makes a difference.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about what volunteers do, visit:
🔗 https://valid.org.au/having-a-say-volunteers/

💜 Thank you for helping us build an inclusive and supportive conference.

03/12/2025

The Guardian has reported that the NDIA is looking at using computer-generated tools to help create NDIS plans.

We’ll keep following the updates as more information becomes available.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/03/ndis-plans-computer-generated

02/12/2025

💜 International Day of People with Disability – 3 December

Today we celebrate the leadership, creativity and contribution of people with disability across Australia. This year’s theme, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” reminds us that inclusion is something we build together.

At VALID, inclusion means creating spaces where people with disability can speak up, be heard and lead. As Genevieve Charles says, “Connection and including all people is at the heart of what we do.” And as Luke Nelson puts it, “Inclusive communities are built when people with disability have the support, skills and confidence to share their own stories in their own voices.”

Every day, we work alongside people with disability to remove barriers, strengthen self advocacy and make information accessible for everyone.

💜 Happy International Day of People with Disability.

01/12/2025

💜 Celebrating the 2025 Geelong Awards for People with Disability

VALID is proud to support the 2025 Geelong Awards for People with Disability as an in-kind sponsor this year.

A big shoutout to Brooke, Ellie and Elicia from our In This Together project team, who have helped co-design this year’s event. Their leadership and lived experience continue to shape more inclusive, community-led celebrations in Geelong.

We look forward to joining the community this Wednesday to recognise local people with disability who are driving change, empowering others and strengthening our region.

Happy International Day of People with Disability 2025.