We seek to identify barriers experienced by children and young people with disability and their families.

Through explicit evidence, purposeful action and informed debate, we aim to improve social and institutional policy, legislation and the design of systems that empower those with disability and their families to live as they choose in communities where they feel valued and belong.

A powerful, collective voice | Together we are strong.

How we do this

Working with families

With more more than 21,000 children, parents and carers in the Kiind community we are able to draw on a depth of experience to inform debate.

Collecting evidence

Compiling robust, evidence-based, applied research via surveys, focus groups, working groups and consultation forums.

Recommending reforms

Presenting the views and experiences of members and articulating necessary reforms via submissions, government inquiries and reviews.

Input to system development

Providing input to the development of systems and services across state and Commonwealth responsibility.

A voice at the table

Participating in key government and industry advisory committees, nurturing our relationships and our influence with key government ministers.

Strategic partnerships

Partnering with peak bodies and a range of business and community organisations.

Recent advocacy

Our systemic advocacy team provide input and recommendations directly to policy- and decision-makers at a local, state and federal level.

We aim to improve access, design and delivery of mainstream and community services and create lasting change that benefits the broader disability community.

  • Early childhood
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme
  • Health system 
  • Education system
  • Community inclusion

Opportunities for Kiind members to contribute

National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People

Opening soon. Find out more.

WA Disability Legislation Reform

In progress, phase one completed on 31 October 2023. Find out more.

WA Parliament: Legislative Assembly Education & Standing Committee Inquiry into supports for autistic children and young people in WA schools

Submissions closed, public hearings completed. The final report will be tabled in WA Parliament on 21 March 2024. Find out more.

Parliament of Australia: House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs Inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers

Submissions closed, public hearings in progress. Find out more.

NDIS Review

Consultations have now closed. Read the final report here.

WA Parliament: Select Committee into Child Development Services Inquiry into Child Development Services.

Submissions now closed, public hearings complete. Read the final report here.

Understand your rights

Understanding your child’s rights is important, particularly if you feel that your child is being treated unfairly and you need to advocate on your child’s behalf.

We’ve compiled a list of Conventions, Legislation, Acts and Charters to help you reference the information you need to exercise your child’s rights and advocate successfully.

Share your experience

If you have an issue that you are willing to share, then we would like to listen.

By sharing your story, you can shine a light on issues that stand in the way of your child’s progress. Your experiences matter and often mirror those of other families. Why not turn your voice into a collective voice and support the call for change.

What we know about carers*

2.65M

1 in 10 care for someone with disability, chronic health, serious illness, dependency or elderly (2018)

$77.9B

would be the annual cost if carers were replaced by paid workers (almost 1% of Australia’s GDP)

2.5

carers are 2.5 times more likely to have poor wellbeing compared to the broader Australian population

3

carers are three times as likely as other Australians to regularly experience loneliness

45%

of carers have poor health compared to 21% of the adult Australian population

52%

of Carers reported financial strain with 57% experiencing a financial event in the last 12 months.

* Source

Caring Costs Us: The economic impact on lifetime income and retirement savings of informal carers – a report for Carers Australia, Summary of Findings. Developed by Carers Australia, March 2022. For more information, please visit Carers Australia or download the report here.