VALID

Seasons Greetings, everyone! We appreciate your support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in the new year! PS: Don't forget to register for Having a Say 2025 - https://lnkd.in/gtcNNS82

We're thrilled to announce the launch of VALID's Dual Disabilities Peer Action Group starting January 15! This supportive community is designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges, along with their families and carers. Join us for a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and connect with others who truly understand. 💬🤝 If you or someone you know could benefit from this group, don't hesitate to reach out! 📧 [email protected]   📞 (03) 9416 4003 #VALID #DualDisabilities #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #Inclusion #PeerSupport 💙✨

🌟 Exciting updates for Having a Say 2025! 🌟   The updated Prelim Program is live, featuring dynamic sessions on jobs, health, and leadership for people with disabilities. 🎤💼    ✨ Don’t miss out! Limited spots available for the Our Choice Expo—register before the holiday rush!    🖼️ Last call for the Art Competition! Submit your entries to the VALID office by next Friday, Dec 20th.    🎶 Think you’ve got talent? Join HaS’s Got Talent—entry form available now!   For more info, check out our conference website or reach out via email or phone. Let's make this event unforgettable! 💪 [email protected] (03) 9416 4003  https://lnkd.in/gqQiJqVJ #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #Leadership #Innovation 

🌟🎤 Calling all talented individuals with disabilities! 🎤🌟 Are you ready to shine? 🌈✨ The HaS's Got Talent (HGT) competition is back for 2025! 🎉 Here’s your chance to showcase your skills at the Having a Say 2025 event! 🔑 Key Points for Entry: 1. Must be registered for Having a Say 2025. 2. Submit your entry form to VALID by Jan 17, 2025. 3. Last year's winner, you can’t enter this year! 😉 4. Only 2 acts per organisation—consider hosting your own talent show! 5. Only 12 acts will audition on Jan 29, with 3 finalists performing on Jan 30 at Costa Hall! 🎭 Don't miss your chance to dazzle! ✨ Check the entry form for more details! Let’s make this unforgettable! 💖 https://lnkd.in/guiv5VKA #HGT2025 #DisabilityTalent #ShowYourSkills #HavingASay2025 Inclusion Australia National Disability Services Council for Intellectual Disability

🌟 Join the Conversation! 🌟 Are you ready to share your experiences with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes? The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) needs YOUR voice! VALID is hosting group discussions to hear about your journey in seeking, moving into, and living in SDA homes. 🏠✨ Your insights are invaluable, and you'll be compensated for your time! If you want to make a difference and help shape the future of SDA living, reach out to VALID at 03 94164003 or email [email protected] Let’s create a community of understanding together! 💬💪  Click the link in our comments #DFFHVacancyReform #SDAHomes #YourVoiceMatters #Inclusion #CommunityEngagement Inclusion Australia Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd Disability Advocacy Resource Unit

VALID would like to congratulate the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria on 50 years of service to Melbourne’s multicultural communities. We loved listening to your history and successes at your Annual General Meeting (AGM) and watching the talented performances from various communities. May you enjoy at least 50 more years of service and success! Ahilan Croos Marian Jegathesan, I can Decide Project Lead and Katy Gagliardi, I Can Decide Project Officer

🌟 Curious about the impact VALID made this past year? Our Annual Report is your window into our journey! 🚀 Dive into the big stories and updates on our projects that are shaping the future. 📥 Download our 2023-2024 Annual Report and discover how we’re making a difference. 👉 Annual Report 2023 – 2024 https://lnkd.in/g6dYUWNY #AnnualReport #VALID #Impact #Innovation #OurJourney

Power Through Knowledge is a new project for people with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD), their families, carers and community leaders. This project is funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and is delivered in collaboration with the Migrant Resource Centre (North West) and Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria. We have 3 support groups for CALD individuals with a disability for 2024 and 2025. Fill out the Expression of Interest to join a group. https://lnkd.in/gPGXjDiX

Yesterday, on International Day of People with Disabilities at Victorian Disability Awards, VALID’s very own Senior Self Advocate, Heather, won the lifetime achievement award! This was a great acknowledgement of all the hard work Heather has done over the last 30 years!   Also, a massive shout out and congratulations to the crew who codesigned the My Lived ID website, from Blick Creative, Monash Health and VALID Connect consults team: Kellie Hammerstein (Monash Health) Mark Schiffer (Blick) Judy Kelly (VC) Luke Nelson (VC) Madeleine Prasad (VC) Uli Cartwright (VC) Rom Turco (VC) Jon Slingsby (VC) Zoe Broadway (VC)   What a wonderful way to celebrate IDPD. Congratulations to all!   

This year we are celebrating people with disabilities in leadership roles. We talked to a few VALID staff members about the theme, and Greg Tucker, My Housing Plan Program Co-Design Team member, had this to say: "Chatting with my team mates and travelling independently to workshops helps me build my confidence and develop my leadership skills." #IDPD #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #EqualOpportunity #AccessibleWorld #CelebrateAbilities