We are capable, not courageous. Skilled, not special. Working, not overcoming. We are Disabled. Deal with it.
Resources – for learning
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – General Public
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – Businesses & Employers
Resources – for sharing
Plain English
Plain English Summary – Community Attitudes Report
Plain English Disability Inclusion Toolkit – General Public
Plain English Disability Inclusion Toolkit – Businesses & Employers
Easy Read
YDAN survey report [accessible]
YDAN general guide [accessible]
YDAN employer guide [accessible]
Project Overview
Australians with disability face widespread attitudinal barriers across work, education, and community life. According to recent reports, 78% of Australians are unsure how to interact with people with disability, and people with disability experience significantly lower employments and leadership opportunities.
To understand West Australian attitudes towards people with disability, YDAN ran a survey from July – October 2025. Survey findings showed that:
- 83% of Western Australians see Disability as a normal part of human diversity, however
- 60% still feel unsure about what to say or how to act around people with Disability.
In response to these poor community attitudes and alongside community uncertainty revealed by our report, YDAN has developed a mass media campaign; “Disabled — Deal with It.”
Led and co-designed by young people (aged 12-25) with Disability, directed by Disability-led Bus Stop Films, this campaign features authentic representation across diverse Disability experiences and intersections of young people proudly claiming their Disability and challenging the assumptions that continue to shape our systems, services, and conversations.
The campaign promotes inclusive attitudes, challenges stigma, and empowers people with disability to be seen and valued in all areas of public life.
Project Goals
Our co-designed campaign aims to shift public perceptions of people with disability by centering lived experience, paid participation, and inclusive messaging.
The project:
- Employed young people with disability to lead the co-design and delivery of a mass media and social media campaign
- Co-designed key campaign messaging and visuals with young people with disability across diverse intersections (e.g., First Nations, LGBTQIA+, CaLD, disability experiences).
The project aims to:
- Improve community attitudes by addressing stigma, unconscious bias, and lack of understanding of disability.
- Increase public understanding of how to interact with people with disability
- Promote the inclusion of people with disability in employment and leadership by showcasing their capabilities
- Encourage businesses, sectors, and the public to engage in inclusive practices through campaign visibility and sector uptake.
- Improve access and representation by embedding disability leadership and participation across all campaign stages.
Co-design Process
Nothing about us, without us.
Our campaign has been co-designed from the bottom up by young people with diverse experiences of Disability and intersectionality. They shaped the project from the first meeting to the last day on set, ensuring that their voices are the focus of the messaging that will be shared across billboards, TV, radio, and social media.
All our cast and co-designers were paid for their time, skills, and contributions. We deeply respect and value the insights and perspectives they brought to the work.
Launch and future work
After a successful launch on Valentine’s Day 2026, and a brilliant follow-up online event joined by Senator Jordon Steele-John, YDAN is in the stages of planning a Western Australia-wide campaign tour.
Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to get involved.
Contact us to learn more:
Email Sophia (Community Attitudes Project Coordinator) at: sophia@ydan.com.au
The Youth Disability Advocacy Network’s Community Attitudes Project is funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.