Across three days and two nights in late November, a group of 16 women got together to share, learn and connect. They dove into a wide range of practical skills sessions and facilitated discussions, all aimed at equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to help them achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing.

Developed and led by women with lived experience, our Women’s Skills For Independence course is designed to support women (LGBTQIA+ inclusive) living with complex physical disability to connect and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

The course covers topics such as basic wheelchair maintenance, positive mental health & wellbeing, self care, moving within the city landscape, verbal independence, preserving shoulder health, wheelchair dancing and goal setting.

First time co-facilitating as a trainee Peer

Holding my head high

First time away from home and animals!

Never had to get in the taxi to escape

Recognizing that I can add value

First time having my hair cut in a salon

Third time going away by myself (I might even go away with girlfriends now)

January 8, 2024

Acknowledgment of Country

AQA acknowledges that we live and work on lands stolen from the oldest continuous culture on earth. While our office is on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, we live and work on First Nations lands across Victoria. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that this was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. We pay our deepest respect to Elders past and present, and we thank them for holding wisdom and caring for country. We also acknowledge that AQA’s work of building a more caring and inclusive society - where everyone has the resources they need to live well - follows in the footsteps of a long and ongoing struggle of First Nations peoples across the continent to be afforded the self determination, respect and resources they need to live well.

Diversity and Inclusion

Disability doesn’t discriminate, so our community is as diverse as the richly diverse culture we exist in. Having the fullest version of ourselves on display, seen and appreciated, is a fundamental aspect of living a full and meaningful life. It is also the foundation from which the full benefit of our capacity building and empowering supports are accessed. Recognising this, we have developed an organisational culture where diversity is not just thoughtfully and respectfully accommodated, but truly celebrated - be it ethnicity, religion, ability, age, gender, sexuality or gender identity.

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