AQA Community

Our Spring issue of Newslink has arrived! Have a read through below, or hit download to access it offline 🌟

"I think the biggest reason for jumping into this course was that it was run for people with disabilities, and was tailored to suit my needs a lot better than other resources I tried in the past." In this reflective Newslink piece, AQA Practice leader, Naz caught up with Ruth, who participated in AQA’s Unleashing Your Potential, to learn about her experience of the course. Ruth identified something that a lot of non-disabled focussed courses and books overlook, and the reason for UYP, "I had tried in the past...but I found them to be irrelevant for me, as I had much smaller goals than what was described in other resources". Read the full story below.

🎉 Proud Team Moment! 🎉 We couldn't be happier for our Disability Support Workers, Priscilla Catania and Christine Richards, who were nominated as finalists at the Victorian Community Service Awards! The event took place last Friday at the iconic Marvel Stadium, and although they didn't take home the win, the nomination and finalist recognition are huge achievements in themselves 👏 A big thank you to everyone who cheered them on—the team mentioned how much fun everyone had celebrating! #VictorianAwards #DisabilitySupport #CelebratingSuccess

Behind the Scenes of Our Empowering Weekend Program: Skills For Independence (SFI) In our Spring edition of Newslink, SFI attendee, Denis, shares his experience of heading up a mountain with a bunch of other folks living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), families in tow, to try new skills, have some fun, and learn from each other. Denis describes the experience as "a fantastic weekend for both participants in wheelchairs and their support people." Read the full story below. #SkillsForIndependence #Empowerment #Community #SCI #Inclusion

This Invisible Disabilities Week, let's challenge our assumptions and create more inclusive spaces for everyone. AQA is a proud sunflower-friendly organisation. You can borrow sunflower lanyards at our reception when you attend any of our events or services. For more helpful resources and community news from AQA, head to the link in the comments below. . #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #DisabilityAwareness #SunflowerLanyard #HiddenDisabilities #HiddenDisabilitySunflower #InvisibleDisability #InvisibleIllness

Melbourne Airport has teamed up with Travellers Aid to launch Airport Assist, making journeys smoother for everyone (including those with invisible disabilities). Swipe to find out how these new services are improving accessibility for travellers! For more helpful resources, head here: https://lnkd.in/ggiihH4V #AccessibleTravel #InclusionMatters #MelbourneAirport #TravellersAid #AirportAssist #WheelchairTravel

Carers give so much to our community, but who cares for them? This National Carers Week, learn more about the challenges carers face and discover ways you can make a difference in their lives. 💙 For more helpful resources, click here: about: https://lnkd.in/ggiihH4V #NationalCarersWeek #SupportCarers #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityAustralia

Wondering what 'Unleashing Your Potential' (UYP) is all about? We'll let the UYP lived experience mentors explain... Here, Naz & Josh chat through the upcoming personal development program, unique to AQA! Event details: 📍AQA HQ, Fairfield (online attendance is also possible) ⏰Each session runs from 12 - 3:30pm 🗓️Course dates: 11 November, 18 November, 25 November, 2 December Limited spots available. There is a fee associated with participating - reach out to us to discuss funding options. Get in touch via community@aqa.org.au or 03 9489 0777 to find out more or book your spot. #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #DisabilityAustralia #DisabilityCommunity #AccessibleCourses #DisabilityEducation

🌟 Did you know over 3 million Australians are carers? Their invaluable contributions can often go unnoticed, yet they form a crucial part of our communities. Swipe to learn more about the week. Despite their critical role, carers frequently experience lower wellbeing and quality of life. According to Carers Australia's latest survey, carers are over three times more likely to experience high levels of loneliness compared to the general population. On a positive note, the survey highlights the powerful impact of community support. Carers who receive strong support from friends and family are 55% more likely to maintain healthy wellbeing levels. ✅ 👉 Discover more at @carers_australia and join the conversation! #CarersWeek #SupportCarers #DisabilityAwareness #CareForCarers #DisabilitySupport

Know someone looking for an opportunity to try out some Para-sports? Disability Sports Australia and Australia Paralympics are bringing 'come and try' days to every state this October and will be in Melbourne on October 27th. At each event, you will be able to: 🌟 Try a range of Para-sports and learn more about local Para-sport opportunities 🌟 Meet and greet Paralympians 🌟 Make new friends Register at the link in the comments below. This opportunity is open to people aged 10+ with a disability. #ParaSport #Paralympics #AdaptiveSports #ParaSportAustralia #DisabilityInclusion