BIDS ACT (2025)

29/10/2025

Hosting trick-or-treaters at your home for Halloween tomorrow?

Here are a few simple ways to make it accessible for all kids:

Keep pathways clear and well-lit for wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Have treats at different heights so everyone can reach them.
Consider sensory-friendly options for kids who may be sensitive to lights or loud noises.

A little planning goes a long way — everyone deserves to enjoy the spooky fun!

Image Description: The image features a Halloween-themed BIDS ACT post. A spider web stretches across the top of the page. On the left is a moon with a flying witch and bats, and in the centre is a spooky castle. All icons and text are in black and teal. The background has teal and aqua wave designs along the top and bottom edges, and the BIDS and AFDO logos are displayed in the corners.

27/10/2025

Do you still read books?

At BIDS ACT, we’ve created our very own bookmarks to share with clients as a small reminder that inclusion and accessibility belong on every page.

Whether you read for fun, relaxation, or learning. What’s the last book you read?

There are so many great options available. From large print books and audiobooks to Braille editions and e-readers with adjustable text and contrast settings. Many local libraries and online platforms now offer these formats, making it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy reading in the way that works best for them.

Image Description: The image features the BIDS and AFDO logos. The design includes teal and aqua wave patterns along the bottom edge. In the centre, there is an image of the BIDS ACT bookmark, which displays the BIDS logo, a QR code labeled “BIDS WEBSITE” with the URL afdo.org.au/bids/, and an envelope icon with the email BIDS-ACT@afdo.org.au. On the left side, there is a blue outline of a closed book with a ribbon bookmark, and on the right side, a blue outline of a person reading a book. All elements are in matching shades of teal and blue.

22/10/2025

Quick Accessibility Tip

Clear signage can make a big difference:

Use large, easy-to-read fonts with good contrast (e.g., dark text on a light background).
Include clear icons or symbols alongside text.
Place signs at eye level and along accessible pathways so everyone can navigate your space confidently.

Small changes like this help create a more welcoming environment for all visitors.

Image Description: The image features the title “Quick Tips” next to a light bulb icon all in blue. Below the title, there are three accessibility tips listed: use large, easy-to-read fonts; include clear icons and symbols; and place icons at eye level. All text and symbols are in the colour blue. The background has teal and aqua wave designs along the top and bottom edges, and the logos of BIDS and AFDO are displayed in the corners.

14/10/2025

Disability doesn’t have one single look, experience, or story. It can be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health-related. Every person’s experience is unique — and so is the way they navigate the world.

Too often, people make assumptions based on what they can see. But inclusion starts when we recognise that not all disabilities are visible, and every person deserves to feel welcome, valued, and supported.

By building more accessible spaces and open-minded workplaces, we can create communities where everyone can participate fully.

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Image Description: Blue cartoon illustration of hands holding up a heart, with a wheelchair symbol in the center of the heart. Top left corner is BIDS and bottom right corner is the AFDO logo.

09/10/2025

The Embassy Open Days are back on 18–19 October, from 10 AM–4 PM! Explore embassies and high commissions across Canberra, experience international cultures, try delicious food, admire beautiful gardens, and enjoy art and performances from around the world.

At BIDS ACT, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, and events like these are a perfect opportunity to experience accessibility in action. If you’re planning to attend, consider checking each embassy’s accessibility features and plan your visit ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Where: Various embassies across Canberra, such as the Embassy of Hungary, Embassy of Germany, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Portugal and many more.

When: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October

Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Discover, connect, and celebrate cultures while making sure everyone can join in!

Image Description: Four horizontal layers of flags from various countries hanging, with the BIDS logo in the top left corner and the AFDO logo in the bottom right corner.

29/09/2025

At the Canberra Disability Expo, BIDS ACT had the pleasure of connecting with Hotel Ético. Their dedication to accessibility and inclusion in hospitality is truly inspiring!

Image Description: Four people are standing in front of the Hotel Etico booth at the Canberra Disability Expo. Second from the left is Angie, BIDS ACT Project Coordinator, wearing a lime green top and black pants. She is joined by three Hotel Etico staff members — one on her left wearing a grey hoodie and blue jeans, and two on her right, both dressed in black shirts with white text, one with a grey blazer and the other with a blue jacket. Behind them is the Hotel Etico display with a banner reading “Room for All”.

22/09/2025

The Frank Pangallo Heritage Library in Queanbeyan has taken a fantastic step forward in accessibility by installing a new sign at the front of the library, clearly directing visitors to the accessible entry! Ensuring that everyone can easily find their way into community spaces is a simple but powerful way to create a more inclusive environment.

As part of this commitment, the library has also completed the BIDS ACT project, working towards improving disability confidence and accessibility.

A huge congratulations to the team at Frank Pangallo Heritage Library! Your efforts make a real difference in building a more welcoming and accessible community for all.

Image Description: Four women stand together outside the Frank Pangallo Heritage Library. Angie, the BIDS ACT Project Coordinator with red hair, is second from the left. She has just presented certificates to the three women beside her: one on the far left holding a framed certificate, one in dotted pants holding a certificate in the middle, and one on the far right. A sign in front indicates the accessible entry to the library. Logos for BIDS and AFDO appear on the image.

16/09/2025

We had a great time at the Canberra Disability Expo, connecting with organisations dedicated to building more inclusive and accessible communities.

A highlight was catching up with Bus Stop Films, who recently spoke at the AFDO Disability Advocacy Conference 2025. Their work in inclusive filmmaking continues to inspire and demonstrates the power of creativity in driving social change.

It’s always wonderful to see the momentum growing across our community for inclusion and diversity.

Image Description: Three people are standing in front of the Bus Stop Films booth at the Canberra Disability Expo. On the left is Angie, BIDS ACT Project Coordinator, wearing a bright green top and black pants. In the middle is Elise from Bus Stop Films, wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans. On the right is Mark, BIDS ACT Project Officer, wearing a light blue polo shirt and holding a white expo tote bag. Behind them is the Bus Stop Films display with posters and banners about filmmaking, friendship, and employment support.

09/09/2025

Exciting news! The Canberra Disability Expo is happening from the 12th – 13th of September 9am to 3pm at EPIC - Exhibition Park in Canberra.

BIDS ACT will be there connecting with the community, networking with businesses, and sharing ideas on building more inclusive workplaces and spaces.

If you’re attending, come say hello – we’d love to meet you!

Image Description: Graphic for the Canberra Disability Expo. The top left shows the BIDS ACT logo with the tagline “Building disability confidence.” The main text reads: “Disability Expo Canberra. Date: 12th – 13th of September. Time: 9am – 3pm. Location: EPIC – Exhibition Park in Canberra.” Below the text is an icon of a calendar with a check mark. In the bottom right corner is the AFDO logo.

03/09/2025

BIDS ACT invites you to a Disability Awareness Information Session tomorrow in Braidwood.

Thursday, 4 September

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Braidwood Servicemen’s Club, 15 Victory St, Braidwood NSW 2622

Join Angie, our Project Coordinator, for a relaxed cuppa and chat as we share information, answer questions, and talk about building more inclusive communities.

Image Description: Flyer for BIDS ACT – Disability Awareness Information Session. The flyer has the Business Inclusion & Diversity Services logo at the top left and the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (afdo) logo at the bottom right. The text reads:

‘BIDS ACT - Disability Awareness Information Session. Come and join Angie – BIDS Project Coordinator for a cuppa and a chat. Thursday, 4th of September, 2pm – 4pm. Braidwood Servicemens Club, 15 Victory St, Braidwood NSW 2622. BIDS-ACT@afdo.org.au

The design has teal wave graphics at the top and bottom.

25/08/2025

A few highlights from the AFDO Disability Advocacy Conference 2025!

A huge thank you again to everyone who joined us both in person and online — your presence and contributions made the event such a success.

Image 1:
Mark Project Officer, Angie Project Coordinator and Lisa Project Officer standing next to each other for a team photo with the BIDS ACT banner in the background.

Image 2:
Angie, Project Coordinator, smiling at the podium while presenting at the AFDO Disability Advocacy Conference 2025. Beside her, an Auslan interpreter translates for the audience.

Image 3:
Angie, Project Coordinator and Lisa Project Officer, greeting attendees at the AFDO Disability Advocacy Conference registration desk. She is joined by Lisa, Project Officer, as they welcome participants.

Image 4:
Angie, Project Coordinator and Lisa Project Officer, greeting attendees at the AFDO Disability Advocacy Conference registration desk. She is joined by Lisa, Project Officer, as they welcome participants.

18/08/2025

Good external signage isn’t just about branding — it’s about accessibility. Clear, visible signs help customers know they’re in the right place. If people can’t find your business, they can’t support it!

Bonus tip: Include contact details like a phone number on your shopfront. This gives customers using mobility aids (like a wheelchair or scooter) the option to contact or order from you — even if they can’t physically get inside.

Small changes, big impact.

Image Description: A teal graphic with the words “Signage That Serves Everyone” at the top. In the center is a white door with a blue accessibility symbol, text reading “PULL OPEN,” and an arrow pointing right. Above the door is a checkmark inside a circle, symbolising approval. At the bottom are two logos: on the left, BIDS and on the right, AFDO.

BIDS ACT

29/10/2025

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29/09/2025

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