July at WWDA: Our monthly update

DROs say ‘No Cuts Before Alternative Supports Available’

Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) have released a new statement following updates around the NDIS Reform Bill.

As currently drafted, the Bill reduces supports, restricts access to the Scheme, increases isolation, and shifts costs and caring responsibilities onto people with disability, families and other service systems.  While we acknowledge the amendments passed respond to some concerns raised by the disability community, they provide limited safeguards. 

No person should lose access to disability supports until appropriate, accessible and effective alternatives are available.

Click here to read the full statement.

“A perfect storm”: WWDA warns against the loss of affordable MS medicines

The Australian Government has confirmed that three key MS medicines will remain on the PBS while a rapid review takes place, meaning for at least the next six months thousands of Australians can continue accessing the treatment they rely on at an affordable price.

Before this decision was made, WWDA warned that losing affordable access to these medicines could have had devastating consequences for women with disability. MS affects women at much higher rates than men, and losing access to effective treatment could lead to worsening health, increased care needs and greater pressure on the NDIS.

Click here to read the full statement.

CEO Sophie Cusworth will speak at the National Press Club

On Monday 10 August, WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth will join disability sector leaders at the National Press Club in Canberra for Reasonable or Necessary? Debating Changes to the NDIS.

With the final Senate Inquiry report expected that week, and a Senate vote on the NDIS Reform Bill soon after, this is a critical moment for the disability community to be heard.

WWDA will use this national platform to speak up for women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability, and to make clear that changes to the NDIS must be safe, fair and evidence-based, but we do not believe the Bill should pass in its current form.

Find out more about the event here.

In conversation with WWDA’s new President, Jodie Haigh

For Disability Pride Month, we spoke to our new Management Committee President, Jodie Haigh.

Jodie is a trained scientist, communications professional and experienced governance and engagement leader working at the intersection of research, policy and higher education. She is passionate about advancing the rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities and strengthening inclusive, skills-based leadership across organisations and institutions.

She talked to us about her experience and insights on leadership, advocacy and disability rights.

Read more about Jodie here.

Easy Read video: Healthcare Rights

As part of the Neve and Our Site projects, WWDA created several Easy Read resources to help women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability to better understand healthcare, safety and wellbeing.

This includes Easy Read videos that explain key issues in these areas, featuring closed captions, plain language and key resources and organisations to know. The video on Healthcare Rights is now available to watch.

Click here to watch the 4 minute video on WWDA’s YouTube channel here.