World Hearing Day: Cochlear Implant supports for Seniors

by Deafness Forum Australia

Deafness Forum Australia is urging the government to fund cochlear implant sound processor upgrades for seniors implanted in public hospitals. The advocacy group argues this investment would prevent social isolation and improve quality of life for older Australians.

Leadership changes at DANA

by Disability Advocacy Network Australia

DANA CEO Jeff Smith will step down in April 2025 to become NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner. El Gibbs, currently Acting CEO, will take over to ensure leadership continuity.

Have your say in prioritising our MS research and advocacy agenda

by Multiple Sclerosis Australia

MS Australia is seeking input from the MS community to shape its research funding priorities and advocacy agenda. Their 2025 research program review aims to ensure funding is directed towards the most impactful and community-endorsed projects.

World Hearing Day: safer listening for Gamers

To mark World Hearing Day on 3 March, the World Health Organization highlights the first global standard for safe listening in video gameplay and esport activities, which aims to reduce the risk of and prevent hearing loss among gamers. Previously, no safe listening guidelines or standards existed for video gameplay devices or software.

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.

Doctors fear strain of Greens’ autism, ADHD diagnosis promise

by The Australian

The Greens have proposed fully subsidising autism and ADHD assessments to alleviate financial burdens on patients. However, medical professionals express concern that this policy could overwhelm the already limited number of psychologists and psychiatrists, potentially straining the healthcare system.