“Nothing About Us, Without Us!”
Empowering Young Leaders in Disability (EYLD) is a ground-breaking initiative designed for young people with disabilities (YPwD) aged 12-25 living in regional Western Australia.
Our unique program offers face-to-face workshops led by peers with lived experience of disability, focusing on four key elements: self-advocacy, employment skills, sharing lived experience, and leadership development.
Through EYLD, participants will:
- Build resilience through self-advocacy skills
- Learn how to share your story safely
- Grow as a public speaker
- Gain confidence navigating employment
- Explore the impacts of historical disabled culture on modern day
- Learn how to navigate community systems and participate in decision-making processes
- Foster leadership skills and self-care through an intersectional lens.
Access Information
The workshop will be held in the following locations:
- Mandurah
- Bunbury
- Manjimup
- Albany
- Narrogin
- Merredin
- Northam
- Geraldton
Let us know which location(s) you’d prefer to attend. Specific venues, dates, and times will be confirmed closer to the event. By expressing interest, you’ll be the first to know when these details are available!
Accommodations we offer:
At YDAN, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all participants. A base-line level of accommodations has been installed into the structure of the workshops.
There will be:
- Fidget toys and sensory tools,
- Noise-cancelling headphones,
- Built-in breaks during workshops,
- Summary of what you’ve learned to take home,
- ACROD parking,
- Wheel-chair accessible venue and toilets,
- Quiet activities to do while you listen,
- Event reminders leading up to the workshop.
Below is a list of common accommodations that YPwD often request. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and we ask you to tell us your own unique access needs in the Expression of Interest form.
Common accommodations include:
- Adjustable lighting options (e.g., brighter for visibility or dimmer for low-sensory),
- Option to bring a support person,
- Navigational assistance within the venue,
- Access to a dedicated sensory space for breaks,
- Materials in accessible formats (e.g., large print, digital, braille),
- Sign language interpreters (please request in advance),
- Visual descriptions of speakers,
- Flexible seating arrangements.
What to Expect
The workshops are designed to be peer-led, fostering discussions and activities that emphasise respect and kindness.The workshop is expected to run for 4 hours, with regular short and long breaks incorporated into the structure.
YDAN recognises that active listening takes various forms. We strongly encourage participants to bring activities that help them focus, such as knitting or quiet mobile games. Active listening is encouraged but not mandatory, if you need to take a break or disengage, feel free to do so.
Light refreshments with coffee and tea will be provided. You are welcome to get up and down at any point in the workshop for snacks and drinks. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in the Expression of Interest form so we can accommodate your needs.
Who We Are
FAQ
Can I go to a workshop in a different region from where I live?
- Yes, you can. We welcome participants from all regions, so feel free to join any workshop that fits your schedule.
What if I don’t know my accommodations?
- That’s perfectly okay! It’s completely normal not to know what accommodations you might need. During the workshop, we’ll discuss accommodations and help you identify what works best for you. You’re also welcome to request any additional support or changes to your accommodations at any point throughout the process.
Can I bring a friend for support?
- Absolutely, you’re welcome to bring whoever you’d like for support. Just please let us know in advance so we can organise enough seats. If your friend is also a YPwD, feel free to sign them up as well! Otherwise, if they’re there just for support, they can join you but won’t need to participate in the activities.
Do I need to bring anything?
- You only need to bring yourself, as everything you need for the workshop will be provided. However, you are welcometo personalise your experience by bringing additional quiet activities, your own pens or notebooks, or anything else that makes you feel comfortable.
Am I able to attend online?
- Unfortunately, no. EYLD workshops are run in person to foster meaningful peer-led discussions. If you want to access what YDAN has to offer but are unable to attend a workshop, we encourage you to sign up for our online e-resources.
- DEP – Self Advocacy E-learning
- Unleashed – Employment E-learning
What do I do if I need to leave the workshop early?
- You can leave at any point during the workshop. Just let one of our staff members know that you’re okay before you go. If you are a YPwD under the age of 18, we may ask how you’re getting home or wait with you until a guardian arrives.
Where do I go to give feedback?
- There will be a feedback survey sent out on the day of the workshop, as well as another survey six months later to evaluate how effective the program has been in developing your self-advocacy skills.
You can give feedback at any point throughout the process by emailing YDAN at hello@ydan.com.au.
Eligibility:
How to Apply
Submit your application by 18th December 2024:
Online Application: Click on the link below to access the Expression of Interest form and complete your application online.
QR Code: Scan the QR code below to quickly access the application form.
Contact YDAN Directly: If you have any questions or prefer to apply via phone or email, please reach out to us at:
Email: EYLD@ydan.com.au
Phone: (08) 6164 9825