Catch up on media stories from December across the disability sector, including the latest updates on the NDIS, key developments, and insights from our community.
Image source: ABC News.
1. Brodie Taylor has become the first netball umpire to use a wheelchair
Brodie Taylor is Australia's first netball umpire to gain nationally recognised accreditation in a wheelchair. The 18-year-old, praised for his "natural" umpiring skills, passed his C-badge assessment "with flying colours" after being spotted at a school event. This achievement has prompted other state netball organisations to seek advice on supporting umpires with disability.
2. Australia’s first accessible beach pilot
Frankston Foreshore made history on December 6 when they launched Australia’s first Accessible Beach project.
Accessible Beaches Australia and Frankston City Council will run the 3-month pilot as part of a new initiative to make the beach accessible for everyone.
For beach-goers, there will be beach matting to the water's edge, beach wheelchairs and walkers, a hoist for transfers, shaded daybeds, and trained staff and volunteers.
3. Learning About Neurodiversity at School program is coming to Australian in 2026
Reframing Autism has announced the internationally acclaimed, Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) program will launch in Australia in 2026.
The program will help primary school students aged 8-11 to understand, value and celebrate neurodiversity to foster inclusion and connection between neurodivergent and neurotypical students.
4. Teen who lost sight at 11 becomes national tennis champion
Victorian Maddy Kelly, aged 13, is now Australia's top-ranked junior female Blind and Low Vision (BLV) tennis player, holding two national titles. BLV tennis, played on a smaller court with bounce rules based on the player's vision level, is the fastest-growing blind sport in Australia. It has seen over 120 players compete in tournaments since starting four years ago and will debut at next year's Australian Open.
5. Carl the Collector cartoon character voiced by non-speaking actor, Odin
Odin has made history as the first non-speaking person to voice a syndicated cartoon character, Paulo, on PBS Kids' Carl the Collector. He used his Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to type lines and record vocal reactions for authentic representation, showcasing a major step in disability inclusion in media.
6. Apple’s new short film for IDPWD celebrates students with disability
The new ad, ‘Designed for Every Student,’ was released to recognise International Day of People with Disability on December 3. The video celebrates how students with disability navigate college life using Apple’s accessibility features in everyday campus life.
7. Luke Eastman nominated for Vocalist of the Year for his Auslan performances
Luke, also known as 'NRG', is the Auslan interpreter for the band Alter Boy, where he interprets the band's music through Auslan sign language. He made history by being the first 'performance' singer to be nominated for vocalist of the year at the WA Music Awards. Although he did not win, the nomination itself was a world first.
