On December 3rd, we celebrated the United Nations’ International Day of People with Disability (IDPD) with the theme: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
At Y Inclusion Services, we are proud to spotlight the programs and initiatives that champion this mission, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead, thrive, and inspire change.
LA Stars offers skills training in leadership for young people with disabilities
The LA Stars Leadership Program nurtures leadership potential by fostering independence, collaboration, and resilience in a supported group. Participants build lasting connections, develop decision-making skills, and discover the power of their voices. LA Stars have used these skills to influence the everyday decisions and policies of the Y, and the impact each individual can have within the community.
Ability Fest amplifies what can be achieved with diverse leadership
In October, our Y Retreat Camp rocked out at Ability Fest 2024, Australia’s most inclusive and accessible music festival! Created by Dylan Alcott, an inspirational advocate for disability rights, Ability Fest is a music festival which celebrates inclusion, diversity, and the transformative power of community.
“You can’t be what you can’t see” 1
Meeting Dylan Alcott—a legend of leadership and advocacy for the disability community—was a highlight of the weekend for our Y Retreat campers and staff. They were absolutely thrilled to meet him and pose for a photo! His energy and commitment to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities resonate deeply with the goals of both IDPD and Y Inclusion Services.
Ability Fest 2024 raised an impressive $587,000 to support young Australians with disability achieve their dreams. The event exemplifies the profound impact we can create when people of all abilities come together with a shared purpose.
Y Whittlesea’s Disability Action Plan (DAP): Building an inclusive and sustainable future
At Y Whittlesea, creating an inclusive and sustainable future isn’t just a goal—it’s embedded in our strategic vision. Our Disability Action Plan (DAP) is a cornerstone of this commitment, ensuring that accessibility, equity, and inclusion are priorities across all levels of the organisation.
The DAP outlines actionable steps to remove barriers, promote participation, and support leadership opportunities for people with disabilities. By addressing physical, social, and systemic obstacles, Y Whittlesea aims to create an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully to our community and thrive.
The plan also reflects our commitment to sustainability by fostering a culture of inclusion that will inspire long-term change—not just within our organisation, but across the communities we serve.
Inclusion for a Sustainable Future
As we celebrate the achievements of our programs and initiatives, Y Inclusion Services remains focused on our mission to foster an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to lead and contribute. From leadership development programs like LA Stars to Y Camp Journeys which empower our participants, to our Disability Action Plan, we are working toward a sustainable future that values the contributions of all individuals.
This International Day of People with Disability, let’s continue to break down barriers, amplify voices, and celebrate the incredible leadership of people with disabilities.
Reference:
- The phrase “You can’t be what you can’t see” is often attributed to Marian Wright Edelman, the founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund. She is a prominent American activist for children’s rights and social justice. The phrase encapsulates the idea that representation and visibility are essential for inspiring individuals to envision and pursue opportunities in areas where they may not see people like themselves. It has also been widely adopted in discussions about diversity and inclusion across various fields, including education, business, and media.