Welcome to the February update on all things WWDA. This update is sent directly to our members as our part of our monthly newsletter – become a member or join our mailing list today.
WWDA hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM)
WWDA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Thursday 26th February 2026, bringing members together to reflect on 2025, discuss WWDA’s policy efforts, and to look ahead to our community’s ongoing advocacy and strategic priorities. We reaffirmed WWDA’s commitment to advancing the rights, representation and leadership of women and girls with disabilities across Australia.
CEO Sophie Cusworth speaks at Disability Leadership Forum
Last week, our CEO Sophie Cusworth presented at the Disability Leadership Forum 2026: From Concept to Practice, hosted by the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at the University of Sydney.
Sophie spoke on disability leadership as a relational and collective practice. She shared her own experience as an emerging leader, shaped by values-driven work, strong team support and ongoing professional growth.
Sophie and WWDA are grateful to be part of conversations that centre community, care and collective leadership. Her full speech and the event recording will be available shortly – watch this space!
Joint Statement: DROs cautiously welcome Thriving Kids delay
In early February, WWDA, alongside our fellow DRO’s, responded to government announcements relating to Thriving Kids and broader Foundational Supports reforms.
While delays to implementation may allow time to strengthen system readiness, WWDA remains concerned that governments have not committed to addressing the significant unmet support needs of people who are currently unable to access the NDIS. WWDA is calling for foundational supports that specifically address these unmet needs, improve access to timely and affordable supports, and operate alongside the NDIS
WWDA is now on Bluesky!
Following our departure from X, we’ve joined Bluesky so our community can still receive quick updates, community news and ways to get involved across the internet.
Click here to follow us there and stay connected.
Community Updates and Opportunities
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has opened a consultation about the new framework planning rules. These plans are designed to make NDIS planning clearer and more transparent. The Government wants to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community to get the rules right. Consultation closes 6 March 2026. To find out more, take the online survey, or upload a submission, click here.
- The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is looking for people with intellectual disability to help review Easy Read documents. This role involves occasional work, when they have Easy Read documents ready for review. There is no regular commitment, and you can choose when you are available. This is a paid opportunity. To find out more, or get involved, click here.
- Share the Dignity has launched the ‘Periods and Disability’ survey with Victoria University to better understand how periods impact participation in sport and physical activity. If you’re aged 15 years old or above and menstruate, you can participate. Survey closes 27 March 2026. To find out more and take the survey, click here.
- Ausmed and Inclusion Australia launched the ‘Know My Rights’ website this month – a free learning platform for people who work for or within the NDIS, including participants, families, carers and their supports. To find out more and explore its library, click here.
- The Youth Disability Advocacy Network WA has launched their ‘Disabled – Deal With It’ campaign, working to change community attitudes around disability. It promotes inclusive attitudes, challenges stigma and empowers people with disability to be seen and valued in all areas of public life. To explore their resources and find out more, click here.
