Message from our CEO – Kat Johns
Welcome to our January Newsletter. As we embark on another year together, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm about the impact we can continue to make for individuals with disabilities across Western Australia. The team at PWdWA has returned from a refreshing break, re-energised and steadfast in our commitment to amplifying the voices of Western Australians with disabilities.
This year, we are excited not only to continue delivering our individual advocacy services but also to take a more systemic approach to addressing the pressing issues affecting our community. In line with this, we are collaborating with Minister Beazley and the Western Australian Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) to engage with Western Australians regarding the Commonwealth’s Thriving Kids proposal. This consultation aims to better understand Western Australians’ views on this important matter.
Recognising the unique needs of regional Western Australia, we are proud to announce that PWdWA now has advocates in the Peel, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and Pilbara areas. This expansion allows us to better serve and support individuals with disabilities in these diverse communities and address local challenges.
One of our standout initiatives from last year was the Disability Discrimination Café pilot program, held in partnership with Sussex Street Community Legal Centre. This program provided a safe and welcoming space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support regarding disability discrimination. We are thrilled to report that the café was a tremendous success, drawing in participants from various backgrounds who contributed to meaningful discussions and solutions. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand this initiative to more cafés throughout this year, including those in regional locations, to further promote awareness and understanding of disability rights within our communities.
PWdWA in Action
At PWdWA, we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing individual advocacy services that truly resonate with the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. As part of our continued efforts to strengthen our impact, we are thrilled to highlight the essential work of our regional advocates who are making significant strides in communities throughout Western Australia.
Recognising that the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities can differ greatly from one region to another, we have strategically expanded our advocacy team to include dedicated advocates in key areas: Peel, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and Pilbara. This regional expansion is not merely a logistical effort; it represents our deep commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their geographic location, has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
Our regional advocates are uniquely positioned to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their respective areas. They actively engage with community members to provide tailored advocacy that addresses local issues, from navigating complex service systems to advocating for accessibility in public spaces and businesses. Because they are local people who are embedded in their communities, our advocates can facilitate meaningful connections and advocate for change that reflects the true needs of the people they serve.
The impact of our regional advocates can be seen through a variety of success stories that demonstrate their commitment and effectiveness
Aside from individual advocacy, our regional advocates also play a crucial role in building a network of support among local organisations, service providers, and government agencies. They facilitate partnerships that amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities and drive systemic change within their communities.
As we move forward, we encourage individuals and families in regional areas to contact our advocates. Whether you need assistance with navigating services or want to share your experiences and insights, our team is here to listen and support you.
PWdWA in Focus
Economic Participation Project
PWdWA is focusing on increasing employment opportunities for young people with disabilities in the Toodyay area. The Economic Participation Project’s plan for 2026 includes recruiting young people to complete assessments of businesses. With a focus on continuing training and skills development to support young people’s employment pathways, we are actively seeking 15–25 year olds with a disability or a chronic health condition who are interested in business accessibility and live in the Toodyay area.
We are also looking for businesses in the Toodyay area that are interested in a disability accessibility check. These free checks help your business gain fresh insights to make your business more welcoming and accessible.
To find out more about becoming a youth consultant or having a business check, please contact Nicola at Nicola@pwdwa.org or 0439 051 826.
Current Issues
PWdWA’s Systemic Advocacy
People with Disabilities WA is determined to make a difference on the difficulties our community experience with the systems around us in 2026.
Government decision-making on things like what’s included in an NDIS plan, who we can get services from and who falls under guardianship law can make a huge difference to people’s lives.
Last Thursday, we shared our views on a suite of changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme in social media posts. The posts were titled NDIS Distress, No Thanks! and nearly 14,000 people have seen them, with lots of engagement across the board.
Our long-time member Samantha Connor sent her appreciation on Facebook, writing “Thank you for speaking out … We need our representative bodies to be frank, fearless and member led.”
Systemic advocacy is an important part of our work here at PWdWA.
We tell the truth about what we see and advocate for changes and improvements that need to happen to benefit us all.
We’re your member-led organisation and we aim to draw on our lived experience of disability as we advocate for change for you, with you.
To read our latest post, check it out on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.
- Facebook, NDIS DISTRESS No Thanks!
- LinkedIn, “As we reflect on our 2026 agenda…
- Instagram, “it seems clear the latest NDIS approach removes choice and control”
Nothing About Us Without Us.
Upcoming
Have Your Voice Heard
This month, we are working on submissions for the federal government’s consultation on reforms to the National Disability Advocacy Program and the NDIS shake-up currently before the nation’s parliament.
The NDAP program funds disability advocacy organisations like ours to provide advocacy for individuals across the country and do (small amounts of) systemic advocacy. The government aims to replace it with a national Individual Disability Advocacy Program for mid-year, focusing on boosting rural and regional area support and funding-for-numbers.
One of our key recommendations to government is the upcoming changes expected on 1 July 2026 must be disability community led. Make your individual submission by this Friday, 16 January 2026 or email systemic.advocacy@pwdwa.org or call to 6288 7129 by Wednesday. We’ll consider your feedback for our community’s joint submission with Sussex Street Community Law Centre. Have your say on the disability advocacy program’s submission page.
The federal government is also wanting to controversially continue to reform NDIS legislation. Besides removing many notes, the legislation also stops providers under investigation from marketing themselves and disappointingly declines payments for services where the NDIA has demanded and not received further info within a nominated timeframe. The “reform” will potentially put a lot of us on the hook for paying the provider instead if we’re plan-managed. Submissions to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee on the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025 are due by 6 February 2026. The Community Affairs committee will then make its report ahead of a 20 March 2026 report. To make a submission, you can visit the Parliamentary Business submission page.
Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability Opportunity
The Honourable Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Disability Services, is seeking expressions of interest from people with lived experience of disability, as well as carers and advocates, to join the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability (MACD).
MACD gives advice to the Minister about issues that affect people with disability, their families and carers. The Council helps make sure the voices of people with disability are heard in government decision-making. Members are paid for their time.
The Council wants to include people from across the disability community. The Minister encourages applications from:
- people with intellectual disability
- people with sensory disability
- people with complex communication needs
- people who represent the voice of children with disability or developmental delay
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- young people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- people from LGBTIQA+ communities
For more information, the application pack, or to apply online, go to Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability. Applications close at 4 pm on 2 February 2026.