Australian Foundation For Disability (Afford)

It's almost Christmas (not that anyone with kids or young people in their lives needs a reminder) making it the perfect time to share some goodwill and kindness to everyone who crosses your path - and we hope it comes to you too. Remember, if you're needing support or a helping hand reach out. 🎅🎄🤶 Try Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue or visit Carergateway.gov.au #SupportEachOther #SpreadKindness #Disability

If you’ve checked out our 2023-24 Annual Report then you know we’ve launched a brand new strategy too. It’s all about building a society where Every SINGLE One of us feels included and valued and for life. As part of that strategy, we recently held a Client Co-Designed Workshop where Afford staff and clients, both current and former, unpacked what disability support looks like at different stages of life. The goal, of course, is that we’re able to provide you with the support you want and need at the time you want and need it. There was plenty of respect and kindness in the room and it was terrific to hear from everyone on the day. We listened to every word and we look forward to tailoring your care so it’s just right for you. For more 🔗https://lnkd.in/g5Ba_Js5

Our latest project, Pocket Cinema, saw a group of Afford community services clients learn how to become filmmakers and the results were incredible. Who knew you could create a mini masterpiece with just a smartphone? Well, us now thanks to guidance from partner SF3 co-founder and director Angela Blake and generous support from partner Optus. The latest flick to drop is Sean’s Sydney Train Travels and it’s the perfect way to learn how to tackle Sydney’s rail system, if you’re not already sure how to do so. Nice work on your first film Sean. We can’t wait to see what you tackle next. Do watch the video (below) to see Sean’s epic adventure. It will make your day – we promise. 🥰 🥰 🥰 #Inclusion #CreativeArt #Whatdisability

We launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at our head office recently and the day was pure magic. We got to hear from RAP Working Group Co-Chairs, Leith Sterling and Kym Mafi and Aunty Grace Mumbler from the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council amongst others. First Nations artists Paul Constable Calcott and Alysha Menzel joined us, inspiring everyone with the detailed stories behind the incredible works they created to honour this important moment. Uncle Paul’s work, titled Giilang Guyulgang, Story of Strength and Resilience, told the story of his life as a First Nations person with disability. Alysha talked about her piece, the beautiful A Brighter Tomorrow, Together, and how it acknowledged the importance of reconciliation and her hope for a brighter future for all. You can see both pieces in this launch video, plus a sneak peek of all the action (plus a whole lot of learning and joy) that went down on the day. Huge shout out to Cass Brothers Productions and Bus Stop Films for the beautiful video capture. We're so delighted to be working with you. #Reconciliation #Inclusion #RAP

We're so excited to have released our annual report confirming our commitment to being a human rights, client-led service provider, meaning we will always prioritise the voices and experiences of our clients. An example of this commitment, earlier this year we took part in our first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and Parade float, dreamt up and designed by clients. The float, dubbed OURtopia, was themed to look like a time machine – a time machine which had transported us to a fully inclusive future. Not so much Utopia but OURtopia and the crowd loved it, as did we. “It felt good being able to be a part of the pride celebrations and to feel included and accepted,” says Allan (pictured), a LGBTQIA+ supported employee who took part. “I liked being a part of the pride community and watching everyone have fun and be happy.” Allan was joined in the parade by 10 Afford clients, along with Afford CEO Jo Toohey, senior leaders and support workers, plus clients and employees of our project partners, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Northcott The great news – we’re doing it all again next year and we can’t wait. For more sweet pics of Allan go here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/giecTAA7 And to learn about our new direction click here 🔗https://lnkd.in/gZmrjYjj #Humanrights #Inclusion #MardiGras2025

The winner of the 2024 Afford Christmas card competition has been announced! 🎄 Amanda, a community services client from NSW, impressed the judges with her beautifully classic design, which is now featured on this year’s cards. This much-loved tradition is a celebration of creativity and community, made possible by the support of our incredible employees and clients. Read more about the winning design here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gPKvy7ZW

🎥🏉 The second film from our Pocket Cinema program is here: More Than a Game Through our Pocket Cinema program, delivered in partnership with SF3 - SmartFone Flick Fest and Optus, Afford clients have been learning to create incredible short films using just their smartphones. In More Than a Game, Try Time rugby league players Youssef and Ahmed take us behind the scenes to show how sport brings people together. Featuring an interview with Zoe, the driving force behind their team, this film highlights the power of inclusion and how programs like Try Time make sport accessible for everyone. 👉 Watch More Than a Game on YouTube now and subscribe to see more from the Pocket Cinema program. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g3cPxmSK #PocketCinema #MoreThanAGame #SmartphoneFilmmaking

Did you know only seven per cent of Australians with intellectual disability are visiting a GP for a Medicare-supported Annual Health Assessment. This is despite people with intellectual disability experiencing more than twice the rate of avoidable deaths and twice the rate of emergency department and hospital admissions. It’s Doctor Time!, a campaign by @inclusionaustralia aims to change that. The 12-month campaign is all about choosing a single date in the calendar year that’s important to a person with intellectual disability and then, using that date as a reminder for that person to do their yearly health check. Let's get behind it and help keep everyone in tip top shape. #ItsDoctorTime #HealthChecks #IntellectualDisability

Today is Human Rights Day! Observed annually on 10 December, it marks the anniversary of one of the world’s most significant global commitments: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We’re proud to celebrate this important day by amplifying the voices of Afford’s human rights advocates. Their passion for creating a more inclusive world is a powerful reminder of why human rights matter in all aspects of life. Let’s take a moment to listen, learn, and reflect on how we can all contribute to advancing equality, dignity, and justice. #HumanRightsDay #Advocacy #DisabilityInclusion

Huge congrats to Afford client Thom Watson whose gorgeous face was splashed across Nine Honey news at the weekend. The article showcased Thom's filmmaking efforts with Afford's inaugural Pocket Cinema program and revealed just how much the 28-year-old is adored by his mum Carinne, dad Jason and sister Laura, 24, (pictured with Thom here). The real beauty of this Pocket Cinema program is that Thom is now more skilled than ever and on his way to a creative career if he so chooses. Nice work Thom. We love seeing you thrive. Read the full story 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gcPpkkYD #inclusion #creativecareers #artforall