VALID

VALID VALID Guidelines for Social Media. We will have to remove these..
• No spam.
• No advertising. Everyone has the right to privacy and dignity.

VALID is committeed to the vision of an Australian nation in which people with a disability are empowered to exercise their rights, as human beings and as citizens, in accordance with the Victorian Charter on Human Rights and Responsibilites. Open and lively conversation is welcome – here are a few simple rules to make sure it’s an enjoyable, safe place for everyone:

• Be polite and respectful. It’s ok to disagree with others, but please do so respectfully.
• Please don’t post comments or links to information that is offensive, illegal, abusive, profane, or defamatory. VALID policy does not allow advertising or endorsements of commercial organisations. If adverts are posted on the page, we will have to remove these.
• No discrimination. We will not allow any comments or links that discriminate against people on any grounds, including gender, disability, sexuality, culture, age, religion etc.
• Be inclusive of all. In particular we won't tolerate language or terms that are derogatory to people with disability.
• We reserve the right to hide or delete posts, comments, links or other media at our discretion, that may be offensive, or do not comply with these rules.
• Respect privacy and dignity. Please think carefully about privacy and dignity when posting. We will remove posts that name individuals or organisations in a negative way.
• We will reply to comments at our discretion, and reserve the right to correct any factual errors.
• No bullying. Bullying will not be tolerated. This includes unkind comments about things such as disability, appearance, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity, or knowledge of NDIS.
• Pictures or images must have a description so that people who use screen readers know what it is. We welcome differing opinions and experiences on this page, but we ask that they are expressed in a way that respects all who post and comment here.

✨ Meet the VALID Board ✨We’re kicking off a new series introducing the people who help guide and govern VALID.First up i...
22/02/2026

✨ Meet the VALID Board ✨

We’re kicking off a new series introducing the people who help guide and govern VALID.

First up is William Ward-Boas, Chair of the Board.

William has over seven years of experience in disability advocacy across autism, intellectual disability, LGBTQIA+ advocacy and government systems. As Chair, he’s focused on strong governance, clear direction and ensuring VALID continues to grow and lead responsibly.

Outside of Board meetings? You might find him at the beach, reading, watching TV or getting his nails done.

Want to learn more about the people behind VALID’s leadership?
Visit 👉 https://valid.org.au/about-us/board-management/

What are the health priorities of people with disability in Victoria?Madeleine Clarke is helping find the answers throug...
19/02/2026

What are the health priorities of people with disability in Victoria?

Madeleine Clarke is helping find the answers through VALID’s Driving Change project.

As a Project Officer at VALID, Maddy connects with people with disability, families and health professionals to understand what matters most in their communities.

These priorities will be brought together and shared with politicians ahead of the upcoming Victorian election - because community voices should shape political agendas.

Before joining VALID, Maddy worked in disability advocacy with a focus on education for young people. She has also contributed to cervical screening initiatives in the university sector.

Maddy hopes to continue creating inclusive spaces through advocacy, while one day working with children again.

If she could have one superpower, it would be remembering everything she reads.

What health issues do you think need greater attention in Victoria?

Find out more: madeleine@valid.org.au

Participants wanted – Enabling Women Leadership Program (Autumn 2026)Women with Disabilities Victoria is inviting women ...
17/02/2026

Participants wanted – Enabling Women Leadership Program (Autumn 2026)

Women with Disabilities Victoria is inviting women and gender diverse people with disability in Victoria to apply for the Enabling Women Leadership Program.

This free program supports participants to build confidence, learn about their rights, practise speaking up and work with a mentor to strengthen their leadership.

🗓 Wednesdays 1–4pm | 4 March – 17 June 2026
📍 In person (Melbourne) or online
💰 Free, with access supports included

👉 https://www.wdv.org.au/our-work/our-work-with-women/enabling-women-leadership-program/
📧 leadership@wdv.org.au
| 📞 03 9286 7813

We are pleased to share that our Multicultural Disability Support Groups are back for 2026.These sessions are designed f...
15/02/2026

We are pleased to share that our Multicultural Disability Support Groups are back for 2026.

These sessions are designed for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program focuses on human rights, self-advocacy, choice and control, health and wellbeing, and building confidence in navigating services and community life.

Sessions will be delivered in:
• City of Yarra (Fitzroy)
• Hobsons Bay (Altona)
• Maribyrnong (Footscray)

Please find the 2026 session schedule attached.

We welcome referrals and would appreciate you sharing this opportunity with clients and community members who may benefit. Referrals can be made by contacting us directly or via the registration link below:
Registration link : https://sorgul.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=OLbsmHDZRwEECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

12/02/2026

🔊 Whose voices shape “quality”?

VALID is proud to be involved in this upcoming Australian Organisation for Quality (AOQ) webinar on Empowering Voices of People with Disability in Quality Processes.

Our Self Advocacy Manager, Rick Ruiu, will be one of the panellists, bringing a strong advocacy lens to the conversation.

📅 26 March 2026 | ⏰ 6pm AEDT
🔗 https://www.aoq.net.au/eventdetails/35294/aoq-webinar-empowering-voices-of-people-with-disability-in-quality-processes

If you work in disability, governance or service design, this is worth your time.

Do you live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and have questions about your rights in your home?As part of th...
10/02/2026

Do you live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and have questions about your rights in your home?

As part of the Housing Justice project, VALID and Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service are offering free information sessions for people living in SDA.

These sessions can help you:
⭐ understand your rights
⭐ know what to do if there is a problem
⭐ get free legal advice if you need it

Sessions can happen where you feel safe - including your home, a community space or your workplace.

To find out more or book a free session, contact Sandra at VALID:
📞 9416 4003
📧 sandra@valid.org.au

Supporting people in SDA to speak up and know their rights in their home.

05/02/2026

As we reflect on 25 years of Having a Say, we’re also looking ahead.

This conference has always been shaped by the people who attend it - your voices, ideas and leadership.

What would you like to see more of at future Having a Say conferences?
What helps you feel included, heard and supported?

Your feedback helps strengthen our voices for the future.

Do you live in an SDA or SIL home?VALID, in partnership with Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service, is hosting a fr...
04/02/2026

Do you live in an SDA or SIL home?

VALID, in partnership with Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service, is hosting a free online SDA meet-up once a month.

This is a safe, welcoming space for people who live in SDA or SIL homes to:

⭐share their experiences
⭐connect with others who understand
⭐learn from each other and build community

First meet-up details:

⭐Date: Monday 16 February
⭐Time: 12pm – 1pm
⭐Location: Online via Zoom

To join, or to find out more, contact Sandra at VALID
📞 9416 4003
📧 sandra@valid.org.au

Everyone who lives in SDA or SIL is welcome.

This meet-up is part of the Housing Justice project, supporting people in SDA and SIL to speak up and know their rights in their home.

Introducing VALID QVALID Q is a support and advocacy group for people with intellectual disability who are LGBTQIA+.The ...
02/02/2026

Introducing VALID Q

VALID Q is a support and advocacy group for people with intellectual disability who are LGBTQIA+.

The group brings people together to connect, share experiences and advocate for change.

Learn more about VALID Q and how to get involved here:
👉 www.valid.org.au/validq

Thank you for making Having a Say 2026 what it was.For 25 years, Having a Say has been a place where people with disabil...
29/01/2026

Thank you for making Having a Say 2026 what it was.

For 25 years, Having a Say has been a place where people with disability come together to speak up, be heard, and shape a better future.

This week in Geelong, that legacy was alive and strong.

Across three days we saw people sharing lived experience, asking hard questions, learning from each other, laughing together, dancing together, and reminding us why self advocacy matters.

People with disability, families, allies, advocates, workers and organisations all in one place - connecting, listening and strengthening our voices together.

To everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, shared feedback, or simply showed up: thank you. You are the heart of Having a Say.

💼 Changes to Employment ServicesThere have been changes to Disability Employment Services (DES) and it can be hard to kn...
27/01/2026

💼 Changes to Employment Services

There have been changes to Disability Employment Services (DES) and it can be hard to know what they mean for you.

Need help with the changes?
Come hear how you can get Employment Advocacy through VALID.

🕒 Wednesday, 3.00pm
📍 Green Room

Clear information. Practical support.

Day 1 at Having a Say - what a start 💙Day 1 of the VALID Having a Say Conference reminds us why this space matters.From ...
27/01/2026

Day 1 at Having a Say - what a start 💙

Day 1 of the VALID Having a Say Conference reminds us why this space matters.

From powerful keynotes and practical workshops to open microphones and unscripted stories, the energy across the day is generous, thoughtful and deeply human.

We’re grateful to the organisations, partners and individuals sharing Day 1 with us, including Inclusion Australia, Victorian Disability Worker Commission and Down Syndrome Australia.

As one attendee shared:

“These open microphone sessions offer such a powerful platform for genuine, unscripted stories that truly capture the essence of lived experience.”

And as day turns into night, the dinner disco sees people dancing in sparkly outfits, celebrating 25 years of Having a Say with joy, movement and community.

Thank you to everyone who is speaking, listening and showing up.

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Level 1, 144-152 Langridge Street
Collingwood, VIC
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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VALID at a glance

The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID) is the peak organisation in the Victorian disability sector representing adults with an intellectual disability and their families. VALID is run by and for people with disability and family members. VALID has particular expertise in networking and providing information to people with disability and families across the state.

VALID is committed to the vision of an Australian nation in which people with a disability are empowered to exercise their rights – as human beings and as citizens – in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. VALID realises its vision through a range of strategies to empower people with disabilities to become leaders of their own lives. VALID empowers adults with an intellectual disability through:


  • Individual advocacy support

  • Systemic advocacy and representation