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The Youth Disability Advocacy Service or YDAS runs the Young Leaders Program.

In 2024, we do not have any planned free workshops, but you can email youngleaders@ydas.org.au if you're interested in YDAS running a version of our Young Leaders Program at your school or organisation.

Download an Easy English version of the information on this webpage.

Our free online leadership program is for young Victorians who identify as: 

  • Having a disability 

  • Having a health condition or chronic illness 

  • Neurodivergent 

  • Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing 

  • Having lived experience of mental health issues 

  • Blind or have low vision 

Is this program for me? 

The Young Leaders Program was created for young people who:

  • Are aged between 14 - 25 years old 

  • Identify as having a disability, health condition, chronic illness, being blind or vision impaired, being Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing, neurodivergent and/or having lived experience of mental health issues. 

  • Are interested in leadership

A group of Young Leaders graduates together in a park. They are smiling.

What will I learn?

  • Grow your leadership and advocacy skills.
  • Gain confidence working in a team.
  • Get ongoing opportunities, including jobs and volunteer roles.
  • It's free!

Here’s what people who have done the program have said:

“I was able to meet people who wouldn't judge me and I was able to become more confident.” – Jasmine

“Fun, great people and the opportunity to understand more about myself and those who also experience challenges of disability.” – Natasha

“At the start I didn't talk much, but then I got better at answering the questions. Less shy.” – Chelsea

What will I be doing?

  • Take part in 4 workshops designed with and for disabled young people.
  • These workshops will all be online using video chat.

These workshops will support you to:

    • develop your leadership, teamwork, communication and project skills
    • improve your understanding of access, inclusion and advocacy
    • learn from and work with other leaders with disability.

A young person who is Deaf using Auslan. She is smiling at the camera.

Applications are closed for 2024

We don't currently have any workshops planned for 2024. However, please sign up to our waitlist to find out about any future Young Leaders Program workshops or leadership opportunities for young people. 

Click here to join the waitlist.

Contact us

Contact Haley, Young Leaders Program Officer, if you have any other questions:

Email: youngleaders@ydas.org.au

Phone: 0476 287 414

With the support of the NDIA

NDIS logo. NDIS written in white font on a purple background.

With the support of CYDA

CYDA logo, which is an abstract image of Australia with CYDA in white text

YDAS acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government

Victoria State Government logo with a black upside down triangle behind 'VIC'

CYDA’s Young Leaders Program

Are you a graduate of our Young Leaders Program or looking to take part in a national-based leadership program? CYDA’s Young Leaders Program is for you!

This program is completely online and is designed for young people with disability anywhere in Australia, aged 18-25. We are looking for young people with disability who have aspirations and goals to become future leaders. No matter what your background or experience is with leadership, this program is for you!

This 11-month long format program will give you the opportunity to build lasting connections and take tangible steps towards your leadership goals, supported by the CYDA team and our network the whole way!