VALID

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.

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.

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.

27/01/2026

🎤 Special Sessions at Having a Say

On the Couch with Heather and Will is a relaxed, welcoming space to reflect, laugh, and share what the conference has meant to you.

These open microphone sessions invite people to come on stage and share their experiences of Having a Say - in their own words, in their own way.

📍 Costa Hall (Auditorium)
🕒 Tuesday: 3.00 – 4.00pm
🕜 Wednesday: 1.30 – 2.30pm

You don’t need to be a polished speaker - just come as you are.

26/01/2026

☀️ Weather Update – Having a Say Conference (Geelong)

Due to today’s hot weather in Geelong, all outdoor activities at the Having a Say Conference will be moved indoors.

Your safety and comfort are important to us.

Here’s what we’ve put in place:
• 💧 Water stations available throughout the venue
• 🏠 All sessions and activities indoors
• 🚑 Paramedics onsite for the entire conference

Please take breaks, drink water and look after yourself and each other.

If you need support at any time, speak to a VALID staff member or volunteer.

We’re looking forward to a safe, welcoming and great conference together 💙

25/01/2026

Having a Say Conference 2026 starts tomorrow!

We’re ready to welcome people with disability, families, support workers and allies to Geelong for three days of learning, connection and lived experience.

🗓 27–29 January
📍 Geelong

Find out more:
🔗 https://valid.org.au/having-a-say/

22/01/2026

How many times have you been to the Having a Say conference? Let us know in the comments! Haven’t registered for this year’s conference? There is still time! Follow the links for more: https://valid.org.au/having-a-say/

Image Description: Tile 1: white social media tile. Text “How many times have you been to the Having a Say conference?” Three yellow squares with images reflecting the accompany text go down the page. “1. Is this your first time? Or Have you been to all 25? Or Somewhere in between!” VALID Logo with a 25 balloon in the bottom corner.

22/01/2026

Thanks to the Victorian Disability Worker Commission and the Disability Services Commissioner for partnering with us at the Having a Say Conference.
Workshops like this are an important reminder that quality disability support is not just about services - it’s about listening, respect and genuinely person-centred practice.
We’re looking forward to this session and to welcoming you at the Having A Say Conference!

We’re excited to be running a workshop at the VALID Having A Say Conference on Tuesday, 27 January at 1:30pm, in partnership with the Disability Services Commissioner, Victoria (DSC)!
The workshop, ‘How quality disability support helps you reach your goals’, will explore how disability workers can support people to achieve their goals through person-centered care. We’ll cover practical strategies for goal setting, meeting goals, and creating a supportive environment for success.

We’d love for you to join us! And while you’re at the conference, don’t forget to visit our booth to meet the team, learn more about the Commission, and pick up some resources and merch!

For more information, visit https://brnw.ch/21wZhpX

21/01/2026

Do you have a favourite memory from Having a Say over the years? We want to hear them! At this year’s Having a Say, conference goers are invited to join in the celebration by sharing a story with us onstage (or from the audience if you prefer) during our special 25 Year Celebration Sessions and Open Mic with Heather. Haven’t registered for this year’s conference? There is still time! Follow the links for more: https://valid.org.au/having-a-say/

Image Description: Tile 1: white social media tile. VALID Logo with a 25 balloon at the top. A photo of Heather with a microphone in the corner. 25 Year Celebration Sessions and Open Microphone with Heather at the Having a Say conference 2026. Tuesday January 27: At the Opening Ceremony 10.00am - 12.00pm. Wednesday January 28: 3.00 - 4.00pm. Thursday January 29: 9.30 - 10.15am. Join us in Costa Hall, Deakin University Geelong Waterfront.

20/01/2026

Having a Say Conference is for people with disability, families, support workers and allies.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care about voice, rights and inclusion.

🗓 27–29 January
📍 Geelong

Explore the program and plan your days:
🔗 https://valid.org.au/having-a-say-program/

19/01/2026

The Government asked people what they think about NDIS planning.

People said:

⭐planning is confusing
⭐decisions are not clear
⭐people want to be listened to

The Government says it will:

⭐make planning clearer
⭐explain decisions better
⭐be fairer

Changes will happen slowly.

VALID will keep speaking up for people with disability.

Read more here:
👉https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-01/ndis-new-framework-planning-what-we-heard-summary-report.pdf