PWdWA’s State Conference

People With Disabilities Western Australia (PWdWA) is proud to present the PWdWA State Conference 2025, taking place in Fremantle, Western Australia, on Thursday 19 June and Friday 20 June 2025.

Being able to participate in and contribute to the community actively is a central part of living a good life. Participating at school or work, being represented in community groups, volunteering, and being included in social and cultural activities are all important aspects of life for people, including those with disabilities. 

This event will bring together individuals with lived experience of disability, community members, advocates, service providers, and policymakers to discuss critical issues and foster an inclusive society where people with disabilities can participate fully and contribute meaningfully.

With our overarching theme being Participate and Contribute, our concurrent sessions will be focusing on:

• Education and Young People
• Disability and Workforce
• Community Participation
• Empowering People with Disabilities

Program Details

View as PDF
PWdWA State Conference 2025_Program – PDF

View as Word Document
PWdWA State Conference 2025_Program – Word Document

Master of Ceremonies

Mike Keady

 

 

 

Michael Keady, known widely as Mike the Nerd Therapist, is a mental health counsellor, school wellbeing specialist, and passionate advocate for disability inclusion. As a person with disabilities himself, Mike brings lived experience to his work, creating safe, accessible, and engaging therapeutic spaces for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities.

 

 

 

Keynote Speakers

Dr John Byrne AM

Dr John Byrne is the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity in Western Australia and has been in the role since 2016. John has been totally deaf since he was a child. He holds PhD and MBA degrees.

Isabella Choate is a passionate and accomplished advocate across the youth, disability, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ sectors. Recognised as the 2024 WA Young Person of the Year, Isabella has dedicated their work to building inclusive communities and empowering young people to create change through lived experience leadership.

At just 25, Isabella is the interim CEO of the Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN), founder of Perth’s first Disability Pride Festival, and co-host of the podcast Unapologetically Disabled. They have also pioneered a groundbreaking lived experience newsletter to support young people entering advocacy and leadership spaces.

Isabella’s influence extends nationally, serving as co-chair of the North Metro Mental Health Advisory Council and contributing to the CYDA Youth Council, the Victorian Department of Health Lived Experience Steering Group, and the development of a lived experience leadership course with CoMHWA.

Through consultancy, keynote speaking, activism, and accessible event hosting, Isabella continues to challenge ableism, amplify diverse voices, and foster celebration, pride, and real opportunities for people with disabilities. Their WA Youth Award is a testament to the profound and positive impact they’ve made across communities.