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Powerd Media
@powerdmedia.bsky.social
820 followers 4.1K following 350 posts
Powerd partners with content makers sharing authentic stories of disability. Sharing these stories drives society forward on the path to inclusion.
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For many people with disability safety & wellbeing is a concern. The government is calling for consultation with the disability community to develop a stronger Disability Support Quality &Safeguarding strategy.

Consultations are open until December 22nd.

Read more: https://loom.ly/eR-HcAo

Text reading: Federal government calls for community consultation on new disability safeguards strategy. And a photo of Minister for NDIS Mark Butler in Parliament, he is a white partially grey haired man with a white shirt, red tie, and dark suit jacket. Text reading: To ensure the voices of the disability community are genuinely involved in shaping the final framework and strategy, those seeking to participate have been asked to submit their testimonies via a number surveys, interviews, and written responses. And a photo of Mark Butler in a white shirt and dark suit jacket Black text on a light blue background: Responses provided during the consultation period will inform decision makers about what safeguards people with disability engage with, the issues faced when engaging with them, and how communities assist people with disability to engage with safeguards.
November 21, 2025 at 12:42 AM
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Many in the global disability community will be sad to learn of the news of American disability activist and author Alice Wong, who passed away last Friday following a short illness.

Read more: https://loom.ly/DutqvD0
Text reading: Disability rights activist and author Alice Wong dies at 51. And a photo of Alice Wong, Asian American woman in a wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck connected to a ventilator. She’s wearing a pink plaid shirt, pink pants, and a magenta lip color. She is smiling and behind her are a bunch of large fern-like plants. Photo credit: Allison Busch Photography. Text reading: “I have so many dreams that I wanted to fulfill and plans to create new stories for you. I did not ever imagine I would live to this age and end up a writer, editor, activist, and more.” Alice Wong. And a photo of Alice Wong, an Asian American disabled woman in a power chair, against a background of bamboo trees. She is wearing a blue cardigan and sitting in a power chair. She is holding a copy of her memoir, Year of the Tiger, a paperback in yellow and red with a fierce tiger on it designed by Madeline Partner. She is wearing a bold red lip color and a trach at her neck. Photo credit: Eddie Hernandez Photography. Text reading: “We need more stories about us and our culture…Our wisdom is incisive and unflinching. I'm honored to be your ancestor and believe disabled oracles like us will light the way to the future. Don't let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.” Alice Wong. And a photo of Alice Wong, Asian American woman in a wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck connected to a ventilator. She’s wearing a pink plaid shirt, pink pants, and a magenta lip color. She is smiling and behind her are a bunch of tall prehistoric looking plants. Photo credit: Allison Busch Photography.
November 18, 2025 at 11:25 PM
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The Australian Government has announced Mr Graeme Head AO as the new chief executive officer of the National Disability Insurance Agency, following the departure of Rebecca Falkingham back, who has held the position since October 2022.

Read more: https://loom.ly/X3BvKw4

#NDIS #NDIA #AusPol
Text reading: National Disability Insurance Agency unveils new CEO. And a photo of Graeme Head, a white male with grey facial hair wearing a blue suit Text reading: “I’m pleased to welcome Mr Head as CEO of the NDIA. His leadership will be crucial as we deliver the reforms needed to strengthen the NDIS and ensure it continues to improve the lives of Australians with disability.” Mark Butler, Minister for Disability and NDIS. And a phot of Mark Butler in a white shirt and dark suit jacket. Text reading: “His [Mr Head’s] distinguished career speaks for itself and his expertise will be invaluable as we continue to reform the scheme.” Jenny McAllister, Minister for NDIS. And a photo of Jenny McAllister, a smiling woman with short hair in a red jacket and black shirt. Black text on a grey background: As CEO of the NDIA, Mr Head will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the agency, including administration of the NDIS, working closely with the NDIA Board to ensure the scheme delivers vital supports for people with disability and their families. Mr Head will commence the role on 24 November 2025.
November 18, 2025 at 12:55 AM
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‘2025 is going to be my year!’ I told myself. I was geared up and ready for a successful and glamorous year… that was right up until my body unexpectedly shut up shop and I was bedridden for two months.

Be sure to check out the full post: https://loom.ly/zWKkMuI
Text reading: A Comedian’s Guide To Being Sick. And a photo of Madeline Stewart in a retro top, smiling and holding a phone to her head. Text reading: “I tried to cut down on my stress, but then that was another thing to stress about.” Madeline Stewart. And a photo of Madeline Stewart at a desk holding a banana to her head as if it's a telephone Text reading “My GP always says ‘How are we today, Madeleine?’ with a big smile. What I want to say is, ‘It’s my third time here this week and you don’t bulk bill, so how we are today is I’m another $90 poorer and no closer to an answer! Madeline Stewart. And a photo in a retro top, sitting by a computer with a CRT monitor. Text reading: “Lots of people have a family to turn to for support. I don’t have that support or safety net, but I’m okay with that. What I lack in family I make up for in friends, and let me tell you the friends I have are some of the best people around. My friends showed up for me in abundance, in ways I would never have considered.” Madeline Stewart. And a photo of Madeline Stewart at a desk holding a banana to her head as if it's a telephone, reacting in shock to something unseen on a computer screen.
November 17, 2025 at 2:58 AM
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To answer the community’s questions and concerns, Powerd Media sat down with Minister McAllister to discuss all things NDIS support assessments, Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids.

Read more: https://loom.ly/a4F1_X4

#NDIS #ThrivingKids #ICAN #FoundationalSupports
Text reading: NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister answers your questions. And a photo of Jenny McAllister a smiling woman with short hair in a red jacket and black shirt. Text reading: “The new (assessment) process is essentially built around a questionnaire that’s…more focused on people's capacities, and less dependent on the ability of the individual participant to obtain medical reports or advice.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a photo of Jenny McAllister smiling and talking with two unnamed people. Text reading: “Disability advocates have spoken to me about the volume of change taking place in the system and the need to make sure that is staged…We’re initiating work to improve the quality of services that are offered ... to participants.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a a photo of Jenny McAllister smiling and talking to a man in a gym. Text reading: “Children who are already on the scheme will continue to be on the scheme, subject to the usual eligibility reassessment.” NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister. And a a photo of Jenny McAllister wearing a black suit.
November 12, 2025 at 1:20 AM
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"I don't think the patients would take you seriously" - What supervisors told Dr Dinesh Palipana.

Read more: https://loom.ly/0z78ROs

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disabilty #Doctor #DisabledDoctor
Text reading: Some attitudes have not shifted as fast as our technology has. And a photo of Dinesh in a blue suit in his wheelchair on a stage. Text reading: In 2025, it is encouraging to see the number of doctors with disabilities growing in Australia. After all, with one and six Australians experiencing disability, it’s important for the profession to reflect the community that it serves. Dinesh Palipana. And a photo of Dinesh in blue medical scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck. Text reading: When I started back as a medical student, then with a spinal cord injury, even I wondered how the patients would see me. This fear was reflected back to me by some supervisors, one who said, "I don't think the patients would take you seriously". Dinesh Palipana. And a photo of Dinesh in a white shirt and a black jacket. Black text on a blue background: What has been interesting for me, is that over a career that is approaching nearly ten years now, not one patient has made a fuss about the spinal cord injury, at least not to my face. Perhaps the attitudes of our society has surpassed those of our institutions and professions. Dinesh Palipana
November 11, 2025 at 6:10 AM
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Australians with disability could soon have safeguards put in place to protect against future health epidemics, following the government’s passing of legislation to establish an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Parliament.

Read more: https://loom.ly/91N_Xo8

#CDC #AusPol
Text reading: Parliament passes bill for Independent Centre for Disease Control. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and red tie, stands speaking at a podium. Text reading: “This legislation puts in place an enduring public health institution for Australia. Its advice will be grounded in evidence, published openly, and focused on keeping Australians safe and well.” Minister of Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler. And a photo of Mark Butler, a white man with a dark suit and blue tie, stands speaking at a podium. Text reading: “Looking back at the last pandemic, too many disabled people were left at the mercy of government decision-making. We hoped decision-makers wouldn’t forget the disability community, or worse, leave us to die.” Greens spokesperson for Health and Disability Rights, Jordon Steele-John. And a smiling photo of Senator Jordon Steele John outdoors on a cobblestone path. White text on a dark blue background: “The Greens amendments have strengthened this bill to ensure the CDC is grounded in equity, science and lived experience. We’ve made sure that workers, disabled people and communities are part of shaping how Australia prevents and responds to future health crises.” Senator Jordon Steele-John.
November 7, 2025 at 4:50 AM
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As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, almost half of Australian renters with disability were found to have struggled to put food on the table over the past 12 months, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2025.

Read more: https://loom.ly/MbO9Drk

#FoodInsecurity #FoodBank #FoodBankHungerReport
Text reading: Almost half of Australian renters with disability were found to have struggled to put food on the table over the past 12 months. And a photo of Kylea Tink in front of food shelving. Text reading: “The food for my diabetes…is so expensive that I can't even afford to buy what I need…I'm going into hypers because the price of everything.” Jai Haines, First Nations man with disability. And a photo of Jai Haines, a First Nations man wearing a beanie and hoodie. Text reading: “Rental properties are scarce in our area for people with disability…many live in boarding houses which charge up to 75% of the disability support pension for accommodation and bills.” Karl Quast, Bendigo Community Health Services. And a photo of Karl Quast, a white man in a grey shirt standing in a library. Black text on a tan-orange background reading: “Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate. Australians are doing everything right: working, budgeting, seeking help - yet still going hungry. This is a failure of policy, not people. We need coordinated, national action now.” Kylea Tink, Foodbank CEO.
November 7, 2025 at 12:10 AM
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Many young Australians with disability will soon lose access to their social media accounts as the Labor Government’s social media ban comes into effect next month.

Read more: https://loom.ly/q16S5tQ

Alt text is available on all images.

#SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #AusPol
Text reading: Advocates warn upcoming social media ban will do more harm than good for young people with disability. And a photo of Realle Northe standing by a tv screen. She is wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and smiling at the camera. Text reading: "This is really a social media delay for those between the ages of 13 and 17.” E-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. And photo of Julie Inman Grant, a smiling white woman in a blue jacket. Text reading: Realle Northe is a young person living with Charcot Marie Tooth Disorder, a genetic condition which affects the nervous system. The 17-year-old says access to social media platforms enables them to stay connected and be a part of conversations even when they are unable to meet people face to face. And a photo of Realle Northe standing outside a shop. Black text on a pink background: A reported 70% of young people with disability declared it is easier to be themselves online compared to 59% of youth without disability, according to the New Playground publication by the E-Safety Commissioner in 2023.
November 4, 2025 at 1:40 AM
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News Wrap for Friday 31st October 2025, featuring the history of horror films and disability, and the problem with the charity model of disability used by many autism charities.

Read more: https://loom.ly/ZUZPFY8
Friday 31st October 2025
Weekly wrap of news from Powerd for the week ending Friday 31st October 2025
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October 31, 2025 at 4:25 AM
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How My Dog Wally Helps Me Navigate Life With Chronic Illness.

Read more from Jodie about how Wally enriches her life: https://loom.ly/4Yy2_kI

Alt text is available on all images.

#ChronicIllness #Arthriits #Pet #Pets
Text reading: How My Dog Wally Helps Me Navigate Life With Chronic Illness and an photo of a woman smiling while taking a selfie outdoors with her small blonde dog wearing a large red-and-white bow tie, both sitting on a quiet suburban street under a bright blue sky. Text reading: Now with my rheumatoid arthritis in full swing and my health unpredictable, Wally's companionship means more to me than ever. We spend a lot of time at home. Having Wally here helps my mental and physical health. And a photo of a small blonde dog using wheels smiles on a red carpet at a Pound Paws event, wearing a mint green bow tie and black outfit with colourful hearts. Text reading: Wally may be a disabled dog with extra needs, but really, all he needs is me by his side. That's the gift pets give people with chronic illness, especially those of us who live alone or don't have a support system. And a photo of a small blonde dog using wheels walks confidently on a runway wearing a blue bow tie and a patterned outfit, looking ahead with a happy expression. Text reading: If I didn't have Wally, my mental health would be in a very dark place. When my body stops me from doing the things I want, he reminds me that sometimes doing nothing and simply resting together is perfectly okay. And a photo of a woman in a purple top holds her small blonde dog by a lake, both smiling at the camera on an overcast day.
October 30, 2025 at 3:45 AM
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Watch, listen to or read the Accessible Arts Access Ideas and Insights podcast!

Check it out now: https://loom.ly/1n-5NyU

#AccessiblePodcast #Podcast #AccessIdeasAndInsights #Disability #Arts #AccessibleArts
Text reading: Accessible Curation. Tackling big questions about access and inclusion across the arts and cultural sector. And a photo of Bailee Lobb, a short haired person in a blue dress. (Photo by Sarah Jamieson Text reading: What do you think are kind of the main differences between being the artist creating accessible work versus being a curator shaping accessible exhibitions? And a photo of Amanda Cachia, a person wearing bright red lipstick and smiling at the camera. Text reading: You know, we all come with our own experiences, which informs our practice. And I think it's important to realize that as curators as well, we are impacted by our own biases and understanding of the world around us. And a photo of podcast host Bedelia Lowrenčev (photo by Mansoor Noor).
October 29, 2025 at 4:46 AM
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News Wrap for Friday 24th October 2025, featuring TikTok removing problematic videos, a possible Human Rights Act for NSW, and research on educational needs of children with a disability.

Read more: https://loom.ly/RnlEz6M
The words News Wrap in black text on a green background. There is also a laptop, bullhorn, hands, microphones and other documents in the background of the image.
October 24, 2025 at 3:25 AM
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Watch, listen to or read the latest Accessible Arts accessible podcast episode exploring The Future of Disability Storytelling.

Check it out at https://loom.ly/9OKmM0Y or on check it out on Powerd Media: https://loom.ly/FPt5xdA

#AccessiblePodcast #Podcast #AccessIdeasAndInsights #Disability
Text reading: What does the future of disability storytelling look like? Why should we be telling our stories now? Why should we be telling them to people outside our communities? And a photo of Bedelia Lowrenčev, a person with long wavy brown hair and hazel eyes smiles at the camera. They are wearing a sheer green long-sleeve top. Their head tilts slightly as their hand rests against her neck. The background is softly blurred, bringing the focus to their face. Text reading: There’s an importance for continuing to push our presence within the arts is because it has real world consequences. It does inform policy. It informs just our livelihoods, not just our artistic pursuits. And a photo of Bria McCarthy who sits in a dark room beside an overhead projector. Her head is tilted upward, as if looking toward the projection. On the projector’s glass surface, Bria’s hands hold down a hand-drawn slide. The bright light from the projector partially illuminates her face and arms, while the rest of the scene remains in shadow. Text reading: How do we push taboo without sensationalising it? Like who are these taboos for and ultimately are we sharing it for community to feel seen or are we sharing it for non-disabled audiences as an education point? And a photo of Christopher Bryant, a white man with blonde hair, stands against a dark wall, looking directly at the camera with a calm, relaxed expression. He wears a sheer black mesh top that reveals tattoos across his chest and arms, featuring birds, skulls, and various symbols. The lighting is low, focusing solely on him and accentuating the textures of his skin and clothing. Text on an orange background: Intersectionality; how do we think narratives can engage with, gender, race and queerness? I find it hard to kind of separate all of these things, especially in 2025, when all of our issues seem to be big, giant arrows pointing in the same direction.
October 23, 2025 at 11:40 PM
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The lack of understanding/ awareness of connective tissue disorders in the medical community.

Content Note: mention of suicide in the full article.

Read more: https://loom.ly/Kxc5VmI

#Disability #Genetics #ConnectiveTissue
Text reading: When it comes to genetic illnesses there are no rules of who will be affected, how they’ll be affected or even when. And a photo of Dean smiling seated outside and is wearing a striped polo shirt. Text reading: The first element to treating a genetic illness is managing pain. Pain can be a debilitating condition that if not controlled destroys lives. Pain is often ignored by health professionals mainly due to it’s subjective nature. And a photo of Dean smiling by a small body of water. Text reading: If you can intervene before a condition degenerates, you can in theory prevent permanent disability or at the very less mitigate the fallout by breaking the cycle. Without putting in place a holistic approach that addresses both these aspects, it’s not uncommon for a person’s condition to spiral out of control. In my opinion, Australia’s medical system often fails to address either element in a satisfying manner. Black text on an orange background: While genetic conditions can be extremely complicated to treat, a lot of the failure I see with the medical community is not due to inexperience but an unwillingness to look after complicated patients. Problems exist partially due to an overburdened and hollowed out system that leaves a lot of people like myself in a terrible position.
October 23, 2025 at 3:55 AM
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People with disability living in New South Wales could soon have their rights enshrined in a state based Human Rights Act.

Read more: https://loom.ly/m0TRo0Q

#Disability #HumanRights #AusPol #NSWPol
Text reading: People with disability living in New South Wales could soon have their rights enshrined in a state based Human Rights Act. And a photo of Jenny Leong in bright flowery top and smiling at the camera. Text reading: On Thursday, the Member for Newtown Greens MP, Jenny Leong, will introduce a private member’s Human Rights Bill, which is based on successful implementations of similar legislations in other states including the ACT, Queensland and Victoria. And a close up photo of Jenny Leong in a pink shirt and blue jacket. Text reading “We need a human rights approach that ensures people with disability are not forgotten or left behind when we talk about human rights. An Act under which we are equal and fully protected is the right way forward for our community.” Megan Spindler-Smith. A photo of former President of People With A Disability Australia Trinity Ford and Deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith. White text on a green background: “Amnesty’s polling has shown that 75% of people support protecting everyone’s human rights in law. We call on the NSW government to legislate a Human Rights Act so people in NSW can challenge human rights abuses, right wrongs, and create a fairer future for everyone.” Sarah Marland, Community Legal Centres NSW.
October 22, 2025 at 4:56 AM
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Those within the disability community will be breathing a sigh of relief after social media giant TikTok agreed to calls to ban a disturbing hashtag trend gaining traction online.

Read more: https://loom.ly/F_fCnhg

#Disability #Inclusion #SocialMedia #Ableism
Text reading: Those within the disability community will be breathing a sigh of relief after social media giant TikTok agreed to calls to ban a disturbing hashtag trend gaining traction online. And a photo of a woman holding a guide dog in training. Text on a green background reading: A representative of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT says that TikTok responded to their request, claiming in an email to have banned the hashtag #BlindKidChallenge and removed hundreds of videos they deemed to violate their policies.
October 21, 2025 at 1:20 AM
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Many people who are blind or have low vision are calling on social media giants to embrace stricter guidelines and protections against circulating harmful content in the wake of a new trend gaining popularity online.

Read more: https://loom.ly/rEFXPTM

#Disability #SocialMedia #Ableism
Text reading: Many people who are blind or have low vision are calling on social media giants to embrace stricter guidelines and protections against circulating harmful content in the wake of a new trend gaining popularity online. And a photo of Abi holding a phone and demonstrating accessibility features. Text reading: The viral social media hashtags #BlindChallenge and #BlindKidChallenge prompts users without disability to imitate, or rather mock, members of the blind community in the name of entertainment, audience viewership and social media engagement, according to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. And a photo of a woman holding a guide dog in training. Text reading: “Turning our experiences into a social media challenge completely misses the reality of what we can do, and the strength it takes to navigate the world without sight.” Blind Australian of the Year 2024, Courtney Webeck. And a photo of smartphones. Black text on a peach background ““There is a need to be able to support the eSafety Commissioner in being able to hold platforms accountable when it comes to this kind of discriminative behaviour.” “It’s so important that we start thinking about what we are doing online and how we create a community that is respectful, inclusive, and kind.”
October 20, 2025 at 5:10 AM
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For artist and writer Noora Remi, migrating with retinitis pigmentosa meant redefining what it means to see, belong, and create.

Read more of Noora’s lyrical post on art, disability, being a refugee, and Australia: https://loom.ly/RjBb--U

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Refugee #Art
Text reading: For artist and writer Noora Remi, migrating with retinitis pigmentosa meant redefining what it means to see, belong, and create. And a photo of Noora and a guide dog. Text reading: My name is Noora Remi, and I live with a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes constant vision loss over time. In my language, Noora means light. The one thing I need but cannot have. And a photo of Noor at an art exhibition. Text reading: Starting anew, far away from the place I once called home, is a formidable task. Adding the heavy weight of navigating a world that is not designed for disability makes this task seem almost impossible. And a photo of Noora is a dark shadow on the beach holding a cane. Black text on a blue background: The stigma that surrounds people with disability, the unlawful denial of my guide dog in some cabs and some restaurants, cause me much distress as I try to navigate a world catered for the sited, yet being in Australia I learned so much about advocacy and systems that have been put in place to support people with all forms of disability, the likes which I have not seen elsewhere.
October 20, 2025 at 1:40 AM
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In October of 2020, Colombian national Sahily Carrero experienced a work-related accident, losing her right arm. Now a wellness coach based in Queensland, she provides advice to those facing similar situations.

Read more: https://loom.ly/uau09gQ

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion
Text reading: In October of 2020, Colombian national Sahily Carrero experienced a work-related accident, losing her right arm. Now a wellness coach based in Queensland, she provides advice to those facing similar situations through social media. And a photo of Sahily Carrero in jeans and a white shirt with a black prosthetic attachment. Text reading “I was in my bed all the time. I couldn't eat by myself. I wasn't thinking in that moment social media,” she says. The wellness coach believes every individual is fighting an internal battle within themselves, whether they realise it or not. And a photo of Sahily by the Brisbane River. Text reading: A soccer player since the age of 8, the Colombian national explains how the sport has helped her maintain her sense of self. “I really connect all my life with soccer because it's just go and enjoy and forget everything.” And a photo of Sahily in green soccer gear on a soccer field. Text reading: The wellness coach says people may make assumptions about what she can and can’t do, but she’s more focused on improving herself and helping others achieve their goals. And a photo of Sahily playing soccer.
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 AM
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Need something to watch while YouTube is down? Check out Powerd Media's range of high production video stories - by and for people with a disability:

https://loom.ly/0WrTAH4
October 16, 2025 at 1:15 AM
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Many in the disability community will be sad to hear that People with Disability Australia (PWDA) President, Trinity Ford, is stepping down from the role following this morning’s announcement of her resignation.

Read more: https://loom.ly/L8to4yo

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Advoacy
Text reading: Many in the disability community will be sad to hear that People with Disability Australia (PWDA) President, Trinity Ford, is stepping down from the role. And a photo of Trinity Ford in a green shirt with red hair. Text reading: During her tenure as President of People with Disability Australia, Ms Ford served as the organisation's public face before media, members and stakeholders, lobbying for the full realisation of disability rights at Federal and NSW Parliament, the United Nations and with foreign visiting delegations to Australia. And a photo of President of People With A Disability Australia Trinity Ford and Deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith. Text reading: As for Ms Ford, she offered a final call to action for the disability community to heed. “We’re only as strong as we are united on what matters: the fight for our collective liberation.” And a photo of Trinity Ford in a green shirt with red hair.
October 16, 2025 at 1:05 AM
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A new disability employment opportunity for those living in the ACT is approaching, with a disability focused hotel soon to open its doors in Canberra, following the success of its sister hotel.

Read more: https://loom.ly/-B46PWQ

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #Employment
Text reading: A new disability employment opportunity for those living in the ACT is approaching, with a disability focused hotel soon to open its doors in Canberra, following the success of its sister hotel. And a photo of a Hotel Etico staff member in the kitchen. Text reading: “ It was very good. It's fun. We’re always working together. I have a support worker as well…when I do housekeeping, they always come with me. I love doing my job. It’s the best." Hotel Etico Australia trainee, JP. And a photo of Hotel Etico staff members preparing dishes in the kitchen. Text reading: Hotel Etico Australia CEO and founder, Andrea Comastri, explains that the concept for the business originated in Italy a decade ago after a young man with Down syndrome asked a chef for a job, sharing his dream of wanting to work in a hotel. “ The chef gave him a chance and got together with other people to pursue this dream.” And a photo of a Hotel Etico staff member with a drink behind a bar. Text on a dark blue background: According to Mr Comastri, participants in the program live on site for three days a week for a period of 12 months. "Paid full award wages in the kitchen, restaurant, bar, housekeeping and reception…but they also learn about living independently. The model is quite innovative."
October 15, 2025 at 5:30 AM
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Powerd Media sat down with Jordan Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change.

Read more: https://loom.ly/nTSeN3c

Alt text is available on all images.

#Disability #Accessibility #Inclusion #AusPol
Text reading: Powerd Media sat down with Jordon Steele-John to discuss how his upbringing shaped his passion for implementing social and political change. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera. Text reading: In 2017, Mr Steele-John became the youngest Senator in the history of Australian politics as well as the first person with a physical disability to be elected at the ripe age of 23. As a result of his position, Parliament House was renovated to include a fully accessible office for Mr Steele-John and a wheelchair accessible space within the Parliamentary Chamber. And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt and white pants sits smiling at the camera. Text reading: The Senator argues that climate change is a specific threat to the disability community. “We will all continue to live through climate…in a context where our emergency service systems so often let us down, so often think of us last and therefore put us at higher risk.” And a photo of Jordon Steele-John in a dark shirt smiling at the camera. Text on a grey background reading: He went on to claim that the Australian government needs to improve the collaboration process with the disability community, specifically regarding the NDIS and the Thriving Kids initiative. “There should be services and supports that are in place beyond the NDIS, but they must actually meet community need rather than political expediency.”
October 13, 2025 at 5:56 AM
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Weekly wrap of news for the week ending Friday 10th October 2025 by Disability Rights & Political Reporter Emma Myers.

Catch up on this weeks news: powerd.media/news/news-wr...
October 10, 2025 at 2:44 AM