Dear Member,

There's something truly magical that happens when our community comes together face to face. I've seen this unfold during our recently introduced Connection events – an initiative born directly from listening to member feedback that we needed to create more opportunities for meaningful, in-person engagement.

Whether you're new to Australian Disability Network, or have been with us for years, these events are creating spaces where you can share your progress, learn from others, and connect with fellow members who share your passion for advancing disability access and inclusion.

Emily Matthews, our Executive Manager Member Services, has already hosted a successful event in Melbourne, with upcoming gatherings in Sydney (26 August) and Canberra (29 July) that I'm looking forward to attending. Our team has also been connecting with members one-on-one in Perth, with plans for a full Connection event there in November and individual meetings in Brisbane.

What has struck Emily and our team most about these gatherings is the energy in the room. Members consistently tell us they're walking away feeling invigorated and motivated after learning from each other. There's something incredibly powerful about connecting with others who are in the same boat, tackling similar challenges across different industries. 

This sentiment was beautifully captured in a number of LinkedIn posts shared by attendees, with one member noting how these sessions "help to uplift each other, build valuable relationships and keep inclusion at the centre of our conversations." Another highlighted that "events like these are such a valuable opportunity to connect with others who are equally passionate about advancing disability inclusion in Australian business."

Whether you're able to join us at one of our upcoming Connection events, attend our free webinar with ASI Solutions on "Inclusive by Design: Discover Microsoft's built-in accessibility features," or consider hosting one of our summer interns, every opportunity to engage strengthens our collective impact.

After all, connection is right there in our name – we are Australian Disability Network, and the strength of our network lies in the relationships we build with each other.

• Register now for our free Inclusive by Design Webinar
• Learn how IAG are kicking goals with their inaugural A&I Plan
• Is Australia's productivity solution hiding in plain sight?
• Internship Program turns 20 - sign up for a milestone 25/26 season!
• Get five tips for disability inclusive allyship in the workplace
• Latest disability sector news
   

As we continue to celebrate Disability Pride Month let's discover how inclusive design creates better experiences for everyone!

We're excited to open registrations for "Inclusive by Design: Discover Microsoft's Built-in Accessibility Features" - a FREE webinar that'll transform how you think about the tools you use every day.

Brett Gilbertson from ASI Solutions will join us to reveal the accessibility features hiding in plain sight across Windows, Edge, PowerPoint and more. These tools don't just support accessibility - they boost productivity for all users!

Plus, we're giving away something special! One lucky attendee will win their choice of one Microsoft Adaptive Technology from the following:

• Microsoft Adaptive Mouse
• Microsoft Adaptive Mouse Tail
• Microsoft Adaptive Hub
• Microsoft Adaptive Joystick
• Microsoft Adaptive D-Pad
• Microsoft Adaptive Dual Button

with a personalised 30-minute setup session with Brett to ensure it's configured perfectly for your needs. These innovative tools are designed to make technology more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

Join us online at 12.30pm on July 31st for the perfect finale to Disability Pride Month. Because when we design for inclusion, everyone wins!

Register now: Inclusive by Design Webinar
 

IAG launches inaugural Access and Inclusion Plan

We are proud to have supported IAG throughout the development of their first Access & Inclusion Plan. It has been shaped by their participation in our Access and Inclusion Index and our Access and Inclusion Plan Masterclass series. The result is a strategic and collaborative approach that puts accessibility and inclusion at the center of IAG’s culture and operations.

Developed alongside the Access & Wellbeing Network, IAG’s Employee Network Group dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, this Plan also draws on insights from IAG’s Annual Culture Survey and reflects the voices of employees, customers, and community stakeholders. It focuses on removing barriers, improving experiences, and creating more opportunities for people with disability across the organisation and beyond.

IAG Chief Operating Officer Neil Morgan said, “Accessibility, equity and inclusion are moral imperatives that underpin our core values and are pre-requisites to achieving our purpose to make your world a safer place.

“This plan outlines the actions we will take to remove barriers for people with disability as we proactively foster an inclusive culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute at their peak.”

Congratulations to IAG on this important milestone in their Access and Inclusion journey.

Read the IAG Access & Inclusion Report here.

Every month, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible work that our member organisations are doing to making a difference in the lives of people with disability.

If you’re one of our members and you have a story to share about your organisations efforts to make the workplace more accessible and inclusive, please contact Emma Hamilton at emma.hamilton@ausdn.org.au

Our latest article exploring disability inclusion as Australia's biggest untapped productivity solution has been published in Women's Agenda.

The piece examines how the $43 billion economic opportunity presented by disability employment aligns perfectly with the Government's productivity agenda, highlighting compelling research that shows every dollar invested in workplace adjustments generates $40 in economic returns.

From breaking down outdated myths to showcasing real-world success stories like Walgreens' globally recognised disability inclusion program, the article makes a powerful case for positioning disability inclusion at the heart of Australia's economic reform discussions.

You can read the full article on Women's Agenda or engage with the discussion on our LinkedIn page where we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences about disability inclusion as a driver of economic productivity.

Host an intern over summer 2025/26

Empower the next generation and become a part of our celebrated Internship Program, exclusive to Australian Disability Network members. 

Celebrating 20 Years, the Australian Disability Network Internship Program offers a strategic, accessible way to champion disability inclusion for your team members. We connect you with talented students and recent graduates with disability who are ready to learn, contribute, and grow with your organisation in their field of study.

Our Summer 2025/26 program is currently seeking expressions of interest from member organisations. Join our upcoming information sessions to find out more:

• Tues, 5 August 2025, 2-3pm (AEST): Register now
• Wed, 15 August 2025, 3-4pm (AEST: Register now

By participating in our Internship Program, your organisation will:

• Build your disability inclusion culture.
• Access emerging talent across all sectors.
• Strengthen staff capability with our comprehensive training and resources.
• Connect with talented individuals with disability.

We're with you every step of the way – from intern recruitment to onboarding support and inclusion training. It's simple, impactful, and tailored to your needs. Join us in this momentous 20th Year intake!

Contact our Internship Program Lead, Rudy Haruta at rudy.haruta@ausdn.org.au or 02 8270 9230 or book in a meeting with Rudy

Support Disability Pride Month

Effective allyship isn't about good intentions - it's about consistent actions that create real change.

This Disability Pride Month, we're sharing practical tips to help you become a more effective ally and advocate for disability inclusion in your workplace.
Being an ally means actively supporting colleagues with disability, challenging your own assumptions and making accessibility routine in everything you do. It's about amplifying voices and focusing on removing structural barriers:

Five key tips are:

1. Start with understanding - listen, learn and stay connected.
2. Examine and challenge biases - and avoid assumptions.
3. Address structural barriers - question, advocate and support.
4. Lead by example - demonstrate inclusive behaviour and communication.
5. Inclusion is everyone's job!

Follow us on LinkedIn and visit this post to discover more tips that will transform how you approach disability inclusion at work. 

Latest Disability Sector News

• Start-up Daily: Celeste Barber Backs Bold Accessible Beauty Startup
• Women's Agenda: Aussie Deaf Women’s Basketball Team Seeks Support
• Women's Agenda: Barbie got diabetes
• SMH: Why aren't more employers hiring PwD? Fear of the unknown
• LinkedIn: Why Co-Design Isn’t Optional in Disability Inclusion
• ABC: Auslan interpreters improving concert accessibility for Deaf attendees