We are capable, not courageous. Skilled, not special. Working, not overcoming. Proud, not inspirational. We are Disabled. Deal with it.
Resources – for learning
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – General Public
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – Businesses & Employers
Resources – for sharing
Plain English
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – General Public
Disability Inclusion Toolkit – Businesses & Employers
Easy Read
Project Overview
Young people with Disability continue to face attitudinal barriers across work, education, services, and community life.
To better understand these attitudes in Western Australia, YDAN surveyed members of the WA public and staff across key sectors between July and October 2025. Our findings showed that:
- 83% of respondents saw Disability as part of human diversity.
- 60% had felt unsure what to say or how to act around a Disabled person.
These findings shaped Disabled. Deal with it., a mass media campaign challenging the assumptions and stereotypes that affect Disabled people’s daily lives.
The campaign carries a direct message:
We’re capable, not courageous. Skilled, not ‘special’. Working, not ‘overcoming’. Proud, not ‘inspirational’. We exist. Deal with it.
Led and co-designed by young Disabled people aged 12-25, creative partner Anthologie, production by Clockwork Films, and directed by Disability-led production company Bus Stop Films. The campaign centres authentic representation across diverse Disability experiences and intersections.
Since launching across Western Australia on 14 February 2026, Disabled. Deal with it. has appeared across television, radio, video-on-demand, podcasts, billboards and social media, reaching more than 1.8 million people.
What we want to change
The campaign aims to:
- Challenge pity, burden, inspiration narratives and low expectations of Disabled people.
- Build public confidence around Disability and inclusion.
- Increase the visibility of young Disabled people in media and public life.
- Support workplaces, services and communities to put inclusion into practice
- Strengthen Disability leadership and representation.
- Employ young people with disability and improve confidence.
Co-design Process
Nothing about us, without us.
Young Disabled people led and participated in co-design that shaped the campaign from the first session through to filming, production, and delivery. Developing messages, influencing visual direction, and determining how we wanted to be represented.
The campaign includes young people across different Disability experiences and intersections, including First Nations, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, and regional communities.
All cast members and co-designers were paid for their time, skills, and contributions.
Campaign impact and what comes next
Following the campaign launch, YDAN hosted an online event with Senator Jordon Steele-John to continue the conversation about Disability representation and community attitudes.
The campaign now continues through social media, Disability-led inclusion upskilling, and a future Western Australia-wide tour.
Our campaign report, inclusion toolkits, and campaign materials are available through this page.
Contact us to learn more:
If your council, workplace, school or organisation would like to use the campaign resources, organise an upskilling session or discuss future collaboration, contact:
Community Attitudes Project Coordinator: sophia@ydan.com.au
The Youth Disability Advocacy Network’s Community Attitudes Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.