Leadership development

WE MAKE INCLUSION HAPPEN by supporting young people with disability to develop their leadership skills.

The ACT Government has supported the next generation of disability leaders through a range of programs and scholarships to equip them with the skills they need for the future.

The ACT Government recognises the importance of ensuring people with disability can advocate and demonstrate leadership on issues that are critical to their lives, and are aware that people with disability demonstrate leadership in and across all areas of community, public and private sector work.

The Office for Disability has supported promising young leaders by sponsoring participation in:

• the Disability Leadership Institute's Future Shapers program – a world-class 12 month program of development, transformational leadership growth and big picture strategic thinking;
• the She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management (in partnership with the Office for Women and YWCA Canberra); and
• the Women With Disabilities ACT Pitch Your Passion project.

Following the success of the inaugural Pitch Your Passion event in March 2019, this emerging leaders program (led by Women with Disabilities ACT, and in partnership with People with Disabilities ACT and Advocacy for Inclusion) was funded for a second year, as investing in leadership skills now will have long term benefits for the individuals, the community and Government.

Further information

Supporting the next generation of disability leaders - Media release from Minister for Disability Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA

See Advocacy, information and peer support 

YouthInterACT is the ACT Government's youth participation strategy, including the Youth Advisory Council and ACT Youth Assembly 

The annual Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards includes an Emerging Young Leader award for people with disability (aged up to 35 years)

The Disability Reference Group is currently developing opportunities for emerging leaders with disability who would benefit from observing community representation and provision of advice to government

The Office for Women also runs several leadership programs  

Outside the ACT:

Strengthening Participation of Children and Young People with Disability in Advocacy (2014 Issues paper by Children and Young People with Disability Australia) 

Women With Disabilities Australia runs the WWDA Youth Network