The abilityNEWS Daily
The Briefing

‘Inspiring Women’ courtesy First Peoples Disability Network
Nominations open for the new SA Women of Impact Awards
by Women With Disabilities Australia
Nominations are open for the South Australian Women of Impact Awards, recognising women driving positive change in industry and community. Entries close on 30 May 2025, with winners announced in September across four categories, including Indigenous advocacy and domestic violence prevention.
Celebrating five inspiring SA women
by First Peoples Disability Network
South Australia has launched its first SA Women’s Week, recognising five women for their contributions to community, advocacy, and leadership. The Inspiring South Australian Women’s Awards celebrate achievements in Aboriginal affairs, environmental activism, disability advocacy, and paediatric palliative care.
School visits for Newmark Primary school
by Deafblind Australia
Deafblind Victoria held four workshops at Newmark Primary School in 2024, educating students, teachers, and parents about deafblind experiences. Students engaged with assistive devices, participated in blindness simulations, and used Auslan to communicate, fostering understanding and inclusion.
CYDA’s submission on a Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework
by Children and Young People with Disability Australia
CYDA backs the proposed Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework to ensure organisations prioritise child safety beyond those focused on young people. The organisation recommends further measures to strengthen the framework and enhance accountability.
Afford News – Autumn 2025
by Afford
Afford’s latest edition highlights its first Reconciliation Action Plan, changes to Australia’s Disability Strategy, and the impact of its services. Key stories include a mother securing future care for her daughter, the success of Pocket Cinema, and participation in Mardi Gras.
Capacity Building Supports budget: Improved Daily Living
by NDSP Plan Managers
The Improved Daily Living budget under the NDIS funds therapies, training, and assessments to enhance independence and community participation. Funding is specific to each category and cannot be transferred, with eligibility and approvals required for certain supports.
CSUN Conference Spotlights Latest Assistive Technology Trends and Innovations on its 40th Anniversary.
by Centre For Accessibility Australia
The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference celebrates its 40th year, highlighting advancements in inclusive technology at the Anaheim Marriott. Exhibitors like Sony and Proto Inc. showcase innovations, from accessible digital cameras to holographic communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
Farewell Media Access Australia After 43 Years of Service to People with Disability.
by Centre For Accessibility Australia
Media Access Australia, originally the Australian Caption Centre, is closing after 43 years of advocating for inclusive media and digital accessibility. Its legacy includes pioneering captioning for television, influencing disability-related media policies, and supporting accessible technology in education and the arts.
The Wrap
Violent history and mental illness — but NT Police say escapee ‘no risk’
by The Courier-Mail
NT Police are searching for 21-year-old Kevin Gurruwiwi, who escaped from the Forensic Disability Cottages at Darwin Correctional Centre. Despite his violent history and mental health disorders, including a psychotic disorder and ADHD, police believe he does not pose a risk to the general public but advise against approaching him.
On-run violent offender 'does not' pose risk to public, NT police claim
by The Australian
NT Police are searching for Kevin Gurruwiwi, also known as Kevin Yunupingu, who escaped from the Forensic Disability Cottages at Darwin Correctional Centre. Despite his history of violent offences and mental illness, including a psychotic disorder and foetal alcohol syndrome, police state he does not pose a risk to the public but advise against approaching him.
Mental ill-health is behind soaring disability benefits bill in England and Wales, report says
by The Guardian
A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicates that over half of the increase in disability benefits claims in England and Wales is due to mental health issues. Since the pandemic, nearly 500,000 additional people have claimed disability benefits for mental ill-health, contributing to a total of 2.9 million working-age adults receiving such benefits in 2024.