Hi There,

I hope 2026 has started well for you and you had a chance to recharge over the summer break. As you look at your objectives and goals for the year ahead, we're here to support you in creating more accessible and inclusive practices across your business.

We've been hearing wonderful feedback from organisations we work with about how AusDN meets them where they're at – whether that's through practical resources like Pragmatic Universal Design, informative webinars and events, or collaborating on tailored projects.

In this newsletter, you'll find resources and opportunities designed to support your inclusion journey. We're sharing insights from the Career Pathways Pilot, launching our updated Manager's Guide, and hosting webinars on topics like inclusive design with Deaf Connect. These are all ways we're working to create practical support that fits where your organisation is right now.

For our members, we're also opening registrations for our Career Mentoring program – a unique opportunity to turn your L&D budget into a dual force for good, building leadership capability while creating meaningful career pathways for professionals with disability. If you'd like to learn more about membership and programs like this, we'd love to hear from you.

Working alongside organisations across Australia has always been central to how we operate. We're focused on what matters most: the energy we create together as a network, the practical support that fits each organisation's journey, and the collective impact we can have across the Australian community.

Here's to a collaborative and impactful 2026.

• Connect with us online - join our first webinars for the year.
• Access our new resource - embed inclusion with our new Manager's guide.
• Learn how lived experience is shaping member's capability - pilot delivers career progression for team members with disability.
• Turn your L&D budget into meaningful impact - Career Mentoring is ia great taste of our membershp.
• Tune into our first Inclusive by Design webinar for 2026 - Signs of Success with Deaf Connect.

What's on!

Build inclusion through connection with our informative events and webinars! 

This month:

Career Mentoring information session for organisations, register here 
Thursday February 4, 2:00pm - 2:45pm, online

Inclusive by Design webinar with Deaf Connect, register here
Thursday February 26, 12:30pm - 1:15pm, online

FYI:

October 2026: Disability Confidence Awards in Melbourne

May 2027: IMPACT Conference returns (two days!)

Exact dates and venues to be confirmed, watch this space!

For managers and people leaders, this digital resource will guide you to build disability confidence and create a truly inclusive, accessible workplace where employees with disability thrive.

With updated data and neuroinclusive tips, your managers can learn practical strategies for recruiting, supporting and retaining diverse talent: Topics covered include:

• Understanding disability in Australia
• Building disability confidence
• Designing accessible workplaces
• Accessible communications
• Workplace Adjustments

• Neuroinclusive Practices

Cost

$500 + GST 

To purchase this guide, please contact us at info@ausdn.org.au or call 02 8270 9201.

Co-designing with lived experience delivered capability and career progression 

People with disability are over-represented in entry-level roles and face significant barriers to career progression. In 2023, the Career Pathways Pilot set out to change that.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and delivered in partnership with the Business Council of Australia, the 18-month pilot worked with four major employers: Coles Group, Compass Group Australia, Kmart & Target Australia and Woolworths Group, to co-design approaches that build capability at every level

Capability was built through reviewing, refining and implementing internal processes. Participants and their managers took part in activities such as developing personal development plans, structured mentoring programs, disability confidence training, and the establishment of Disability Employee Networks.

Key learnings

• Executive sponsorship, tailored implementation and embedding inclusion into business-as-usual were critical.
• When organisations invest in capability and culture, career progression for people with disability becomes not only possible but expected.

Visit the Career Pathways Pilot webpage to hear from each organsiation as well as access resources developed.

Don't miss out on leadership development that goes beyond theory! 

Exclusive to AusDN members, our Career Mentoring program gives your managers real coaching practice while turning your L&D budget into meaningful impact.

Over four months your managers will build their coaching capability and disability confidence, skills that elevate their leadership. All while creating career pathways for talented professionals with disability.

 If you are considering becoming a member of Australian Disability Network, this program is a structured and supported leadership development opportunity, grounded in real experience

We are now taking registrations for our March - July Autumn cohort. Join our information session tomorrow to learn more.

• Wednesday (Tomorrow), February 4, 2.00-2.45pm online
• Hear directly from experienced mentors about the real impacts of Career Mentoring.
• Learn how Career Mentoring can work within your existing mentoring program.
• Our team and guests will be available to answer your questions.
• Please note this session is for organisations curious about hosting our mentoring program - mentee information coming soon.
• Email Liisa.Olsson@AusDN.org.au for more information

Join AusDN's Training Consultant, Sarah Wojciechowski and guests Isabella Swanston and Brent Phillips from Deaf Connect to explore the business case for disability inclusion and what it takes to create meaningful career pathways.

Deaf Connect's Signs of Success framework serves as a case study in how investment in capability and communication access drives career progression.

What you'll learn

• The business case for dedicated career pathways and how to embed inclusion into business-as-usual.
• Real-world strategies from Deaf Connect's employer research and success stories.
• Why investing in capability and communication access drives productivity and innovation.

When: Thursday, Feb 26 
Time:  12.30 - 1.15pm

Keep up with our stories, insights, research and events on our social accounts.