Our Projects

YDAN provides FREE programs for young people with disability.

We use disability as an umbrella term to include:

  • Mental ill-health/psychosocial disability
  • Chronic illness or chronic health conditions
  • Chronic pain
  • Neurodivergence including ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyscalcula, Dyslexia, Tourettes (and more)
  • Physical disabilities
  • Sensory disabilities including Blind, low-vision, D/deaf
  • Undiagnosed health conditions
  • Hidden or invisible disabilities

You do not need to have a diagnosis to participate.

UNLEASHED Project

The UNLEASHED project aims to empower young people with disabilities (YPWD) by supporting their confidence in employment settings through a set of e-learning modules, workshops, and networking events. The project addresses barriers to employment for YPWD and raises awareness amongst employers about the valuable contributions YPWD can make to the workforce. We believe that every young person deserves a chance to thrive in the workforce and make meaningful contributions to their community.

 

SPARK (Strengthening Personal Advocacy, Resilience & Knowledge) Project

SPARK logo featuring a glowing orange light bulb with a white lightning bolt inside, suspended from a white cord. The bulb emits two small white lightning bolts on either side. The word 'SPARK' is displayed in bold white capital letters below the bulb, all set against a black circular background.

SPARK is a unique opportunity for young people with disabilities (YPWD) aged 12-25 to learn self-advocacy skills targeted at the key areas of community engagement, education, community and services. By utilising the lived experience of YPWD in co-design and facilitation, these accessible and fun youth-friendly workshops will empower YPWD to increase their awareness of their rights, and have increased skills, knowledge, and confidence to exercise those rights, ultimately allowing YPWD to have greater choice and control over their own lives.

 

FOR US, BY US – Young People Exploring Disability Project

A black circle with light pink and light blue bobs and a white outline of a fist pumping. Text that reads For Us By Us

For Us, By Us: Young People Exploring Disability is an after-school program for young people with disability (YPWD) aged 12-17, created and led by YPWD. Through peer connection, art activities and knowledge sharing, this program provides young people with the opportunity to learn about their rights and needs, build self-advocacy skills and understand how to navigate societal barriers

 

Disabled. Deal with it. Community Attitudes Project

‘Disabled. Deal with it.’ is a result of our Community Attitudes Project, a mass media campaign led and co-designed by young people with disability across diverse disability experiences and intersections.

The campaign challenges the attitudes and assumptions that shape our daily lives with a direct message: We’re skilled, not ‘special’. Working, not ‘overcoming’. Proud, not ‘inspirational’. We exist. Deal with it.

Reaching over 1.8 million people, the campaign continues to change attitudes through our local government training, social media, and future WA-wide tour.

 

Community Leadership Program

The Neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ Youth Community Leadership Program (CLP) equips young disabled people with the tools and skills to build their confidence in self-advocacy and leadership, to shine as leaders in their local communities.

Delivered till late 2026, in consortium with CYDA alongside partner organisations nation-wide, the program helps young people develop their leadership skills and learn practical strategies to take the next step in their leadership journey. 

 

Ready to Apply

About the project:

The Ready to Apply Project is a 10-week inclusive work placement pilot program that supports up to 40 young people aged 15–24 who experience barriers to employment due to disability, neurodivergence, and/or mental health challenges.

There will be three cohorts running between September 2026 and May 2027, with each cohort having around 12–15 participants.

The program includes:

  • Job readiness training (co-designed with YPWD)
  • 6-week supported work placement with a local business
  • Weekly peer mentoring provided by YDAN’s Youth Consultants
  • Post-placement support to transition post program.

Participants are placed in small to medium businesses across priority sectors, including:

  • Care and support
  • Education
  • Digital technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction.

Get Involved

We are always looking to connect with:

  • Local businesses – in areas such as care/support, education, manufacturing, construction, and digital technology
  • Community organisations
  • Training providers
  • Employment services.

Contact:
Ready to Apply Project Team
Readytoapply@ydan.com.au

Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Our Projects