The abilityNEWS Daily
The Briefing
World Hearing Day launch of ‘No research about us, without us’
by Deafness Forum Australia
Deafness Forum Australia has updated and relaunched its statement on citizen involvement in research to mark World Hearing Day 2025. The document promotes ethical, inclusive research practices and is shared globally to encourage meaningful participation from those affected by hearing-related issues.
DSRD Self Assessment and Diagnostic Workup
by Down Syndrome Australia
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a rare condition where individuals with Down syndrome lose previously acquired skills and abilities. A new self-assessment checklist helps parents and carers track symptoms and support medical diagnosis.
DSWA’s Educator PL Day
by Down Syndrome Australia
Down Syndrome WA's annual Educator Professional Learning Day brought together 46 teachers, EAs, and deputy principals from WA and South Australia. The event featured specialist presentations and a talk by DSWA Ambassador Brooke Canham on her schooling journey and future aspirations.
Mental Health Australia calls for free mental health care for all children and young people in Australia
by Mental Health Australia
Mental Health Australia is urging the government to provide free mental health care for all children and young people. The call follows rising concerns over youth mental health and barriers to access amid increasing demand for psychological support.
The Wrap
More access to more of Australia for people in wheelchairs
by The Australian
The Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative aims to fund projects making national parks, beaches, and play spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. This includes all-terrain wheelchairs and improved infrastructure to enhance accessibility.
NDIS to notch up $600m in savings
by The Australian
The National Disability Insurance Scheme has achieved $600 million in savings in the first seven months of the fiscal year, attributed to fraud crackdowns and elimination of inappropriate services. Despite these savings, the number of participants continues to grow, highlighting ongoing cost pressures.
Young people with cancer in England face seven-month wait for disability benefits
by The Guardian
Young cancer patients in England face an average wait of seven months to receive disability benefits, according to research by the charity Young Lives. Families of children with cancer incur an average of £700 per month in additional expenses during treatment, exacerbated by delays in benefit processing.
'The pain is indescribable – the truck stopped on top of me'
by The Courier-Mail
Clare Stewart, after a catastrophic accident in 2000 that left her with severe injuries, has transformed her experience into advocacy. Now serving as CEO of Youngcare, she focuses on improving care for young Australians with disabilities.
AHRC discouraging harmony
by The Australian
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is advocating for the alteration of Harmony Day into the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), arguing that the current festivities conceal structural racism. Critics express concern that this change could foster unnecessary negativity among students and result in self-loathing about Australia's history and values.
'The pain is indescribable – the truck stopped on top of me'
by The Courier-Mail
In 2000, Clare Stewart experienced a catastrophic accident when she was pinned under a garbage truck for 37 minutes, resulting in severe leg injuries. Despite enduring 37 operations and constant pain, Stewart has transformed her misfortune into a mission, currently serving as CEO of Youngcare, a not-for-profit organisation that provides appropriate living accommodations and support for young people with disabilities.
‘Living the good life’: NDIS $400k fraudster begs for no jail
by The Advertiser
Paul Kevan Tilbury misappropriated over $400,000 from his NDIS clients to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Despite pleading for a non-custodial sentence, the court highlighted his lack of remorse and the gravity of exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Put disabled in control to reduce the NDIS burden
by The Australian
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) faces fiscal challenges and inefficiencies, with costs projected to reach $60 billion by 2028. Proposed reforms suggest assigning fixed budget sums to participants, allowing them or their carers to manage spending, aiming to reduce taxpayer burden while improving support for genuinely disabled individuals.
More access to more of Australia for people in wheelchairs
by The Australian
The Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative aims to enhance accessibility in national parks, beaches, and play spaces for individuals with disabilities. The programme will fund infrastructure such as all-terrain wheelchairs and improved walking paths to ensure inclusivity in natural environments.
NDIS to notch up $600m in savings
by The Australian
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has achieved over $600 million in savings against its projected budget for the first seven months of the financial year. This has been accomplished through reforms targeting fraud reduction and the elimination of inappropriate services, setting the scheme on track to meet a reduced growth target by 2026-27.