Excellence in disability services

Emily Caska

Down Syndrome Institute
Sydney, NSW

Emily Caska is recognised for her outstanding leadership over two decades in the disability services sector.

Emily has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives that have helped empower and deliver positive outcomes for people living with disabilities and their families. Her strategic vision and drive led her to establish Australia's first Down Syndrome Institute for research and medical care advancements.

A sibling to Lucy, who has a severe intellectual disability, Emily’s lived experience of disability fuels her advocacy for inclusive policies and family involvement, particularly siblings. At 40 years of age, her roles on international and national boards and committees, including the United Nations, GeneEqual, Siblings Australia, NSW Health’s Disability Community of Practice, and NSW Department of Communities and Justice Advocacy Network demonstrate her commitment to systemic change.

Emily plans to use the prize money to support people with Down syndrome to be employed and to enhance the Down Syndrome Institute’s innovative work.

Samara Cunningham

(It's No) Drama
Fish Creek, VIC

Samara Cunningham is recognised for her transformative work as the Artistic Director of (It's No) Drama, a regional theatre company that uses performance to empower people living with disabilities.

Her dedication to inclusivity and equity in the arts has turned the company into a thriving independent cultural hub in South Gippsland, Victoria, providing a safe and welcoming environment for participants of all ages. Her efforts have been pivotal in promoting disability leadership and visibility within the community, helping challenge and break down stereotypes. 

The impact of her work is evident in numerous successful productions and community projects, helping give rise to more opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities.

Samara would like to continue her professional development and host a series of inclusive arts gatherings in South Gippsland to help strengthen networks and advocate for more expansive opportunities in the regional arts sector. 

Lisa Moshovis

Ability WA
Coolbinia, WA

Lisa is recognised for her exceptional contributions as a Clinical Lead Speech Pathologist, addressing dysphagia (swallowing problems) and mealtimes in disability care. 

Renowned for her expertise, Lisa advances care for those with disabilities, especially cerebral palsy, by applying the latest research to practice. Her involvement in the BREATHE-CP project has led to a better understanding of managing and preventing respiratory complications in vulnerable people. Lisa was also involved in the RESP-ACT study, a pilot trial that aims to reduce respiratory hospital admissions in children with CP.

Lisa was pivotal as the lead subject matter expert in the Ability WA HISS working group, which set new standards in dysphagia management. Her work stands as a testament to the profound difference one individual's passion and expertise can make in the lives of many.

The prize money will further Lisa's research and professional growth, deepening her impact on disability services.

‘Aspire to Be’ Yooralla project team

Yooralla
Melbourne, VIC

Through 'Aspire to Be', a partnership between Yooralla and Anglicare Victoria (AV), Yooralla is recognised for their dedication to improving the lives of children and young people with disability in out-of-home care (OoHC). The program has been instrumental in ensuring children receive proper diagnoses, access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and necessary support for stability.

Since February 2022, the program, a partnership between Yooralla and Anglicare Victoria (AV), has achieved significant milestones, including supporting more than 100 children and young people with disability and diagnosing 33% of young people with suspected disability to receive an official diagnosis, enabling the necessary disability support. The team also trained 44 AV staff to better understand and respond to the disability needs of children in OoHC.  

The team have provided invaluable support in navigating the NDIS and developing positive behaviour support plans. Their work has led to positive behavioural changes and increased engagement in the community for the youth. 

Spectrum Writing

Morphett Vale, SA

The Spectrum Writing team is recognised for its remarkable expansion from two groups in 2019 to 26 across South Australia, providing supportive, creative connections for neurodivergent people. 

Founded by award-winning autistic author and advocate Jason Fischer, Spectrum Writing fills a void in support for neurodiverse writers and gamers. Jason employs many neurodivergent staff members, fostering inclusion and creative growth.

Initially a solo endeavour, Jason's project quickly demanded a larger team to handle its success and extensive waitlist. With new programs like writing camps and tactical wargames, the team enhanced operations and tripled its customer base. 

The community has thrived, gaining confidence and friendships, and Spectrum Writing's achievements include festival involvement and participant publications. Their continuous improvement ethos and meticulous attention to detail drive their mission forward.

The prize money would be used for Spectrum Writing's various initiatives, including printing anthologies for its creative writing workshop students.

Taum’s Fishing Day

Parent to Parent Association Qld Inc.
Woombye, QLD

The team from Taum's Fishing Day is recognised for creating a peer-led inclusive group for people with intellectual disabilities in the Moreton Bay regions. 

With over fifty participants and the support of various service providers and community groups, Taum's Fishing Day encourages connection, fostering a welcoming environment for social interaction, skill-building, and personal growth.

Taum, a proud Indigenous woman originally from Thursday Island with a love of fishing, leads the team. With over four years at Parent to Parent's Stand by Me project, Taum, alongside fellow team members Matt and Tee, has nurtured a space where participants can advocate for themselves and connect with others. 

The group's evolution from traditional meetings to engaging Fishing Days reflects a commitment to listening and adapting to members' needs.

The model of listening and adapting to the needs of the members has been replicated in other regions, demonstrating its impact.