Welcome to the September update on all things WWDA. This update is sent directly to our members as our part of our monthly newsletter – click here to become a member today.
Our Work
Update: WWDA’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) submission
WWDA is now finalising our Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Review submission. Thank you to our members who completed our survey or attended our member roundtables with The Social Deck. We look forward to sharing this important, member-focused submission with you soon.
If you would like to share your thoughts, the Government’s survey and submission process are open to the public, and close on Friday 24 October 2025. Find out more here.
Changes to NDIS Needs Assessments
The Government has announced changes to how the NDIS will work out people’s support needs starting from mid-2026.
We know many in our community feel worried, confused, or exhausted by change. That reaction is fair. For years, people have told us the current set-up is costly, stressful, unclear and often re-traumatising. Many spend thousands on reports just to keep the basic supports they need to survive.
We have consistently argued for a fair, human-rights approach to needs assessment that centres our lived experience. Read our full statement here.
Autism and the use of paracetamol
WWDA rejects claims that link paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. Autism is not something to ‘prevent’ or ‘cure’. Read WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth’s statement here.
Sophie Cusworth on Voices Towards 2050
WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth appeared on Episode 12 of Voices Towards 2050, a podcast hosted by Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin. She highlighted the intersection of ableism and gender-based violence, and how our community is often overlooked or excluded from mainstream responses.
Listen to the full episode below. (Time: 15 minutes and 45 seconds.)
Board Elections open now
We’re looking for new members interested in joining our Management Committee (Board)! Nominations are now open – click here to find out more about the role and how to nominate.
Other News
Sophie Cusworth at the National Press Club
On Wednesday 24 September, CEO Sophie Cusworth attended the National Press Club for the address of Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody. Commissioner Cody spoke about her vision for gender equality in Australia, and recent findings from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Speaking from Experience project. WWDA is proud to partner with the Commission and our friends at People With Disability Australia to hold consultations with people with disability to inform the project.
“When we centre diverse voices and lived experience, we deepen our understanding of what gender equality truly means. It’s not just about the concept of fairness – it’s about building policies and laws that reflect the full spectrum of human experience.” — Dr. Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner.
Click here to watch Commissioner Cody’s full address.
Picture: Sophie Cusworth at the National Press Club with Summah McKinnon, PWDA
NDRP event: Evidence to Action
On Monday 13 October, Diana Piantedosi (Senior Manager, Policy and Advocacy) will be speaking at Evidence to Action, a discussion event hosted by the National Disability Research Partnership. She will discuss how WWDA collaborates with researchers and putting advocacy into action. Find out more about this free event here.
Women’s Health Week 2025
At the beginning of September, we celebrated Women’s Health Week! Hosted by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, this year’s theme was “Say Yes To You.” WWDA is a proud supporter of this initiative. We worked with Jean Hailes to create Easy Read fact sheets and videos on key women’s healthcare topics.
Find out more about Women’s Health Week on the Jean Hailes website.
Government commitment to National Women’s Alliances during Women’s Health Week
During Women’s Health Week, the Australian Government highlighted the National Women’s Alliances, including WWDA, that work to ensure the voices and experiences of women are heard and reflected in government action. Find out more about this work here.
Video source: Australian Government
WWDA Youth: Listening Tour with Australia’s UN Youth Representative
Earlier this year, the WWDA Youth Advisory Group met with the Australian United Nations Youth Representative, Satara Uthayakumaran, in a consultation around disability and their lived experiences. The findings reported by Satara will be featured in her upcoming report on Australian youth! We’re excited to be part of such an impactful project, and to read the full report when released in late October.
“The members of the WWDA youth advisory group really enjoyed sharing space and stories with Satara! We look forward to seeing our unique perspectives in her report alongside the thousands of other young people she has interviewed across the country.” — Claire Bertholli, Youth Development Officer
Meeting: Youth Advisory Group
The next Youth Advisory Group meeting will take place on Friday 3 October 2025. The group will discuss the upcoming DDA Review submission and other WWDA campaigns and initiatives.
Resources and Opportunities
- WWDA is recruiting for a new Senior Policy Officer and Senior Member Engagement Officer. Find out more on our Jobs and Opportunities page.
- The Australian Government is currently reviewing the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to improve its effectiveness for people with disabilities and their lives. Click here to find out more.
- Want to have your say on the NDIS? The Government are looking for participants, providers, DROs and the general public to give feedback on the draft redesigned NDIS Practice Standards, a new Quality Framework and guidance materials. Find out more on our Have Your Say page.
- People With Disability Australia (PWDA) is looking for new members to join the PWDA Remote Reach Advisory Group. Expressions of interest (EOI) close Friday 10 October 2025. Find out more on the PWDA website.
- Nominations are open for the 2025 National Awards for Disability Leadership. Click this link to learn more about the awards and how to nominate.
