July is Disability Pride Month. It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the experiences and stories of people with a disability.
“Disability pride months means that I am proud of who I am. It is a chance to share our abilities and achievements with myself and others in the world.” Graduate Digital Champion, Chris
In time with Disability Pride Month, we are excited to share that the Digital Champions program has been extended for another year to June 2027! This means that we can continue our work to bridge the digital divide for people with disability in Australia for another year.
Hear from Graduate Digital Champion, Chris and CEO, Good Things Australia, Jess about this incredible update!
Bridge the digital divide
People with disability in Australia are more at risk of being digitally excluded. This is why the Digital Champions program is so important. Digital Champions are people with intellectual disability who share their story and support others to learn. They educate community organisations and support workers on how they can best support people with intellectual disability to be confident and safe online.
Together with Down Syndrome Australia, we want to make sure that people everyone feels safe and confident in the digital world. This funding extension means the Champions can continue to inspire others and close the digital divide for people with disability.
“I like to show the world who I am. I am unique and strong, passionate. As a Digital Champion, I like to show that it does not matter if you have a disability or not, you can make your dream come true.” Digital Champion
What the Champions have been up to recently
Last year, we congratulated our first group of Digital Champions for completing their digital skills and mentoring program.
Our new Champions have already started educating community organisations and support workers on how they can best support people with intellectual disability to spot scams, manage safe online relationships, use social media safely and more! They have inspired people at conferences and presentations including:
- Australia’s Disability Strategy National Forum
- Queenslanders with Disability Network – Digital Inclusion Peer Support Group
- Down Syndrome Australia’s network webinar
- VALID Advocacy in Action Conference
- Belonging Matters webinar
- Recorded a training video for a United Nations Conference of State Parties side event
- And more to come!
Apply for a grant
There’s more that needs to be done to bridge the digital divide for people with disability. You can help older people in your community to develop their digital skills and confidence with free digital skills sessions.
If you work with people over 50+ with disability, apply for a Building Digital Skills Grant for people with disability. Applications close 7 August 2026.