In Focus

Community transport: An overlooked lifeline needs support

For many older Australians and people with disabilities, community transport is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. It’s the difference between getting to a vital medical appointment or missing it entirely. It means staying socially connected, collecting medication, or simply living life with dignity and independence. By Katarina Lloyd Jones – Australian Ageing Agenda […]

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Tackling stigma: Helping nurses support people with learning disabilities

Stigma and bias remain some of the biggest barriers faced by people with learning disabilities — and too often, it’s felt most acutely in healthcare settings. By Joanne Blair and Shannon Porter – Nursing Times A new spotlight from the UK’s Nursing Times highlights why supporting nurses to better understand and challenge stigma is so

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NDIS sparks surge in exam support for Australian students

Educational support for students with disabilities—including extra exam assistance, rest breaks, and specialized accommodations—has surged across every Australian state and territory, a trend strongly linked to greater awareness around mental health and the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). By Paul Karp – Financial Review The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority reports

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Half a million Australians living with severe mental illness

An alarming new report reveals that over 500,000 Australians are living with severe mental illness — many without the critical support they need. This includes individuals battling complex conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and chronic depression. By Sebastian Rosenberg – The Conversation Despite national funding and reforms, gaps in care continue to leave vulnerable

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Inclusive Pride: Everyone belongs

Pride Month is in full swing around the world, and this year’s celebrations are sending a clear message — inclusion means everyone. Across Australia and beyond, LGBTQIA+ Pride events are becoming more accessible and disability-friendly, offering meaningful ways for people with disabilities to participate and be celebrated. By David McManus – Disability Support Guide While

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Global AI pause threatens disability access

As global leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers from the United States, European Union, and international institutions debate the future of artificial intelligence, a growing call for an AI development moratorium is gaining traction. But disability advocates warn: a sweeping pause could set back decades of progress for people with disabilities—especially in countries where inclusive technology

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Tweed Shire reconsiders access rules for assistance animals

In a move welcomed by disability advocates, Tweed Shire Council in New South Wales, Australia, has announced a review of its Assistance Animals Policy—with the goal of improving access and clarity for people with disabilities who rely on guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other trained support animals. By Inside Local Government The current policy has

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Major aged‑care provider Annecto to close in July

Annecto Incorporated, a prominent Australia-based provider of aged care and disability support services, announced it will cease all operations in July 2025, ending more than 70 years of service across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and the ACT. By 9News Serving over 3,000 clients and employing around 1,000 staff, the closure results from “service model shifts” and

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Inclusive gyms expand in South Australia

South Australia’s largest and fastest-growing chain of disability-exclusive gyms has expanded its footprint with the opening of two new clinics this month, offering more accessible fitness options for people living with disability. By Bella McGreevy – Glam Adelaide Active Gym, known for its fully inclusive facilities and adaptive programs, now operates multiple centres tailored specifically

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