Empowering disabled young people

Empowering disabled young people to speak up builds confidence and supports their rights.

When disabled young people feel safe, heard, and respected, they’re more confident to share feedback, raise issues early, and be actively involved in decisions about their support.

“To be empowered means having the confidence, knowledge, ability, or resources to do things you want to do. It allows your world to open up and gives you the internal belief to self-advocate… Becoming empowered is an ongoing process.”

– Ezra, a disabled young person

Read Ezra's blog

Illustration of a white disabled young person sitting on a couch, in conversation with a worker. There's a service dog asleep next to them.

Why is it important for disabled young people to feel empowered to speak up and make complaints?

Empowerment is about recognising and building on the strengths of disabled young people.

It’s important for disabled young people to feel empowered to raise concerns and make complaints, so they can be safe, have their rights upheld, and get the support they need.

When they can express concerns or issues, they learn to advocate for themselves, build confidence, and gain control over their lives.

A culture of empowerment needs commitment from everyone.

It’s important that disabled young people feel valued and trusted to make decisions about things that affect them.

Disabled young people should be meaningfully included, treated respectfully, and have their perspectives and opinions valued.

Developing a culture of empowerment involves strong policies and processes. It also involves making sure that everyone understands the rights of disabled young people and can support disabled young people to feel disability pride.

Disability pride

Illustration of a person of colour wearing two prosthetic legs. They're walking and thinking, with a thought bubble above their head and one hand on their chin.

How to empower disabled young people to speak up

Disabled young people have shared what helps them feel more empowered and confident to raise concerns—especially when something isn’t right with their NDIS supports or services.

As a provider or support worker, you play a key role in creating an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and heard. Here are some practical ways to support them:

Check in with the young person first. Before scheduling meetings or making decisions, talk to them directly. This gives them a sense of control and ownership over their support.
Trust that the young person knows their needs best. Young people are the experts in their own lives. Listen to what they say they need.
Avoid stepping in unless asked. Support their independence by letting them take the lead. Only intervene when they ask for help.
Respect different ways of problem-solving. Even if their approach isn’t what you’d choose, back their ideas and encourage their confidence.
Own your mistakes. If you say or do something disempowering, acknowledge it. Let the young person know you’re listening and committed to doing better.

Empowering young people to speak up strengthens their confidence, upholds their rights, and leads to better, more person-centred support.

Assumptions

In many cases assumptions that are made about disabled young people disempower them.

Often people make assumptions that disabled people, especially disabled young people, have less capacity than their non-disabled peers. Because of this, disabled young people miss out on experiences and chances to build their skills and confidence.

In contrast, assuming that a disabled young person has the capacity to make decisions is a great way to empower them.

It can help establish trust and respect that goes both ways, and encourages them to develop skills like decision making, risk assessment and self-advocacy — all which are necessary to fully realising their rights.

Dignity of risk empowers disabled young people by recognising their right to make choices, take chances, and learn through experience—just like anyone else. Learn more about dignity of risk on our Disabled young people’s rights webpage.

Assume that I can

Watch this video by CoorDown to learn more about the assumptions made about disabled people, how it can affect them, and the power of positive assumptions.

Empowering Disabled Young People