AFDO leads and supports a range of innovative projects designed to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disability across Australia. Our work is grounded in collaboration with people with lived experience of disability, community partners, and member organisations. Each project we undertake is focused on driving systemic change, building capacity, and ensuring equitable outcomes.
BIDS Project – ACT
The Business Inclusion & Diversity Services (BIDS) Project in the ACT focuses on improving access and inclusion in businesses across the territory and southern NSW. This community-led initiative is co-designed with people with disability, service providers, and local advocates. Read more about the BIDS ACT Project.
BIDS Project – Hunter Region
In New South Wales, the BIDS Project in the Hunter region strengthens local capacity and service inclusion, particularly in rural and regional areas. The project supports collaboration and innovation through tailored training and advocacy. Read more about the BIDS Hunter Project.
Co-Operative Communities
Co-Operative Communities is a national pilot project supporting people with disability to co-design and launch their own co-operative businesses. Delivered in partnership with The Co-Op Federation, the project supports inclusive, peer-led employment. Read more about the Co-Operative Communities Project.
Previous Projects
AFDO has a strong record of delivering successful initiatives that support systemic reform and improve outcomes for people with disability. Two key examples include:
- Fireproofing At-Risk Communities (FPRC): A partnership with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), this project enhanced fire safety for people with disability through co-created resources and targeted training. Achievements included training FRNSW staff in disability awareness, developing eight accessible fire safety resources including Auslan videos, and building long-term partnerships with 72 disability organisations. Participant feedback informed improvements in content clarity, accessibility, and firefighter training, with the project reaching more than 6,000 people via social media.
- Financial Literacy Resources for NDIS Self-Managers: Funded by Ecstra Foundation, this project created a suite of accessible tools and training resources to help people with disability self-manage their NDIS plans. Co-designed with the community, the project included videos with Auslan interpretation, fact sheets, and an online learning platform. Topics ranged from budgeting and bookkeeping to understanding audits, record-keeping, and navigating NDIS supports. The resources are practical, easy to use, and aimed at improving financial skills and confidence. Explore the Financial Literacy Resources today, and share with those who will benefit.
- Getting The Most Out of Your NDIS Plan: In 2021 the Australian Federation of Disability Organisation (AFDO) and Disability Loop ran a series of workshops called ‘Getting the most out of your NDIS’. The workshops and resources were written, produced and presented by and for people with disabilities. Attached below is a series of video resources aimed at ensuring NDIS participants and their families get the most out of their NDIS plans.The resources provide an overview of what the NDIS is, how participants can manage their plans & budgets to support their goals and aspirations as well as discusses how the reviews & complaints process for the NDIS participants works. In addition, AFDO has produced 11 handouts covering each of the topics in detail which you can find below the videos. Learn more and access the resources.
Driving Change Through Collaboration
Each project we deliver is shaped by the voices of people with disability and grounded in our commitment to rights-based advocacy. AFDO continues to work across sectors to identify gaps, influence policy, and deliver practical, impactful outcomes. We thank our project partners, funders, and community collaborators who make this work possible. Together, we are building a more inclusive Australia.
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