New initiative for youth leaders with disabilities in Far North Queensland
Six new youth leaders in Cairns have embarked on six-month leadership program aimed at empowering young people with disabilities and complex conditions in rural and regional areas. Application are still open. Find out more here.
Cairns
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Six new youth leaders in Cairns have kicked off an innovative leadership program this week, designed to empower young people with disabilities and multi-complex conditions living in rural and regional areas.
The program, open to all young people living with a disability aged between 18 to 26 years, will focus on disability rights, system changes, and building relationships with other peers, in addition to leadership development.
Tihan Davis, 22, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome a disorder which affects the connective tissues in the body, said she was excited to be participating in such a unique program and hopes to create change while ensuring their voices are heard.
Ms Davis said living with complex, chronic medical conditions such as EDS made everyday activities “frightening”.
“There's a lot of anxiety around eating because you’re in constant pain and it’s just really tough,” she said.
The 22-year-old applied for the program after her friend, 21-year-old Elina Passant, was accepted as a Cairns youth leader.
The program also focuses on helping participants build friendships within the community.
The two girls became friends a few months ago after connecting online and were thrilled to met in person for the first time at Thursday’s launch event.
“It’s been so nice to finally meet one another,” Ms Davis said.
Ms Passant, who is deaf, lost her hearing 12 months ago and said she has faced significant challenges since then, such as encountering numerous communication barriers with everyday services, even within the medical system.
“What I really hope for with this program is to push for change...because it’s scary trying to even access healthcare,” she said.
Program officer at Rights in Action Jeanette Phillips said the program launch on Thursday a “success,” noting that the six participants were motivated to delve into areas that reflect their unique passions and lived experiences.
“By embracing their unique perspectives and lived experiences, we are nurturing a generation of advocates who will drive positive change,” she said.
“It’s more than just teaching leadership, it’s about recognising the potential of young people with disability and providing them with the tools, resources, and support to both participate and lead within their communities.”
The Cairns Young Leaders Program will build on a national Young Leaders Program, established by Children and Young People with Disability Australia four years ago, which has supported 48 young individuals with disabilities across Australia so far.
Courses will be a tailored blend of “hybrid and face-to-face sessions”, running weekly from 9.30am to 12.30pm every Thursday with a structured timetable.
The new program will also focus on values-based leadership, multiculturalism, and environmental sustainability, helping participants become “well-rounded leaders” ready to meet various community needs.
Right in Action facilitator Roxanne Doyle said no diagnosis was required to submit an application and anyone interested in applying can contact Rights in Action for details.
“An important part of this program is recognising the value of lived experiences in leadership,” she said.
“We’re also looking for more people who want to be mentors in this incredible program.”
Applications are open until end of October 31, anyone wishing to express interest in mentoring can email Roxanne Doyle at roxanne.doyle@rightsinaction.org.au.
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Originally published as New initiative for youth leaders with disabilities in Far North Queensland
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