The abilityNEWS Daily
The Briefing
An advocate at work (photo courtesy NDS)
NDS advocates for practical, inclusive reform in care quality regulation
by National Disability Services
National Disability Services has urged the Productivity Commission to simplify quality regulation in the disability support sector. Their submission advocates for a rights-based framework that enhances protections while reducing burdens on service providers.
No-one left behind: South Australia launches landmark disability inclusion plan
by South Australia Disability Inclusion Plan
South Australia has unveiled its State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029 to improve equity for people with disability. Developed with community input, the plan sets goals across five areas including education, health, and community participation.
NDIS Co-design Advisory Group met last month
by NDIS
The Co-design Advisory Group met on 8 August 2025 to review ongoing collaborative projects and strategic planning efforts. The group includes diverse stakeholders focused on shaping inclusive policies through joint decision-making and shared insights.
Infection control training for Boards: Clarifying compliance under the NDIS Practice Standards
by National Disability Services
Feedback from providers suggests infection control training is increasingly being viewed as a requirement for Board members. This development aligns with evolving compliance expectations under the NDIS Practice Standards.
Join our Remote Reach Advisory Group
by People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia is forming an advisory group to guide a project improving domestic violence services in Bourke, NSW. The initiative centres lived experience to support First Nations women and children with disability through inclusive and culturally responsive strategies.
The Perfect Gift: volunteers, babies and lots of love
by Down Syndrome Australia
Maternal and Child Health Nurse Cathy Gibb launched The Perfect Gift to warmly welcome babies born with Down syndrome. With help from volunteers, personalised gift boxes filled with handmade items are shared with families across Australia.
Toolkit for engaging people with disability in evaluation
by Dept of Health, Disability and Ageing
Evaluations are checks that governments and organisations do to see how well their policies, programs and services are working. Involving people with disability in evaluation ensures decisions reflect their lived experiences and what truly matters to them. The Toolkit supports the 1 in 5 Australians who identify as having a disability by helping to make sure their voices are heard and respected.
Larapinta Challange wrap-up
by Down Syndrome Australia
A determined group of fundraisers completed the 2025 DSV Larapinta Challenge, trekking through Western Arrernte Country in searing heat. Their multi-day journey raised awareness and support for DSV while deepening respect for the land and its traditional custodians.
The Western Desert (courtesy Down Syndrome Australia)
The Wrap
Non-profit multiple sclerosis organisation MS Society SA & NT in voluntary administration
by ABC
Non-profit organisation MS Society SA & NT, which supports almost 3,000 clients living with multiple sclerosis, says it has gone into voluntary administration. In an email to donors, supporters and partners the organisation says the decision includes its disability employment arm, which is called Multiple Solutions. The organisation says it is working with administrators, who are exploring "every possible option to retain vital support services".
Golden Grove High School students turn work experience rejection into profitable catering business
by Adelaide Now
An idea to provide children with a disability work experience has turned into a booming business generating thousands of dollars at a high school in Adelaide’s northeast. Golden Grove High School’s catering business, Golden Graze has so far made more than $3500 in profit since the start of the year. The success of the business earned it recognition as a finalist for the SA Public Education Awards.
Rehabilitation important step in dementia care
by Australian Ageing Agenda
The World Alzheimer Report 2025 outlines a global and practical roadmap for the role rehabilitation can play in dementia care and presenting several recommendations on how it can be better implemented. 65 per cent of existing national dementia plans mention rehabilitation but 75 per cent of World Health Organisation member states have no national dementia plan.
Shape Your Support’s unique approach earns awards nod
by Geelong Times
Led by owner and director Joe Lawrence, the business responded to what it saw as a lack of male support workers operating in the space, opening an all-male brand that only works with male clients in 2020. In 2022, the business expanded to include Queen Bee Disability Support to also provide gender-tailored support to women and girls.It’s a unique approach to disability support that has allowed the business to better respond to the differing needs of its participants.
The Diary
