Beyond Accessibility: Empowering Disabled Voices in Support and Community Spaces
Written by Kelsey Woods
Reflecting on my recent experience attending the Have a Say (HaS) Disability Conference in Geelong, I am more committed than ever to ensuring accessibility is at the forefront of my work in disability support. As a disabled advocate and support worker, I recognise that true inclusion requires more than surface-level accessibility measures—it demands co-design, meaningful participation, and a fundamental shift in how we perceive disability in all areas of life.
Through the support of an Experiential Development Grant from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), I had the invaluable opportunity to attend the Have a Say (HaS) Disability Conference in Geelong. This grant, which I was awarded, enabled me to engage with a diverse range of disabled advocates, support workers, policymakers, and community leaders who are working to drive meaningful change. The HaS Conference is a vital platform for self-advocacy and systemic reform, providing space for disabled individuals to lead conversations on accessibility, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. Through interactive panels, workshops, and lived-experience presentations, HaS highlights the importance of centering disabled voices in decision-making processes.
Attending HaS and engaging with disabled advocates, artists, and professionals reinforced the importance of reducing barriers and increasing visibility. Whether in the arts, workplaces, or community spaces, we must move beyond simply accommodating disabled individuals to actively empowering them as leaders, decision-makers, and valued contributors. It was a privilege to hear from such a diverse range of speakers, including Disability Discrimination Minister Rosemary Kayess, who highlighted the pervasive ableism embedded in society, and Judy Hewitt, whose advocacy for self-determination and fair pay was incredibly inspiring. Their insights serve as a powerful reminder that disability rights are human rights, and we all have a role to play in building a more inclusive future. I was particularly inspired by spaces like Studio 92 and Monte Lupo, where disabled people are not just participants but teachers, mentors, and creative professionals. This challenges outdated notions of disability as a passive identity and instead positions disabled individuals as experts in their own right.
Why shouldn’t we have disabled leaders, support workers, and community organisers shaping the policies and spaces that impact us?
One key takeaway from my experiences is the necessity of time and the right environment for disabled individuals to succeed. Many existing structures fail to account for different energy levels, cognitive processing styles, and accessibility needs, often leading to unintended exclusion. To promote inclusion it is critical to create multiple entry points for participation, ensuring that people can engage in ways that best suit their abilities, needs, and interests. Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and subtitles; it’s about fostering genuine inclusion at every level.
The phrase “Nothing about us without us,” championed by disability advocate Sir Robert Martin, is central to my approach. Disabled individuals must be involved in decision-making at every stage, from policy development to workplace structures and community programming. Whether it’s through self-advocacy, peer support, or leadership opportunities, our work should reflect the lived experiences of those we support—not just as service users but as active participants in shaping their own futures.
There is strength in diversity, and we should be leveraging that strength to push boundaries—not just in the arts, but in how we structure support services, employment opportunities, and social inclusion initiatives.
In my work, I will continue to advocate for accessibility, agency, and visibility—not just as checkboxes, but as core values. Whether it’s supporting self-advocacy, creating inclusive spaces, or amplifying disabled voices, true accessibility is about more than compliance —it’s about reimagining our communities as spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, has ownership and opportunity.
ABCCS values your feedback and are committed to creative resources and services that are accessible for all. If you have any advice or suggestions to further improve our resources and accessibility, please contact Kelsey at CreativeDirector@abcounsellingipswich.com