Creating Change Together
We are a social profit organisation on a mission to create a world where people who live with disability have a fair go at what life has to offer.
What We Are Talking About
Death of Port Augusta woman highlights gaps in disability safeguards
Language Matters: Purple Orange Language Guide 2024
The Language Guide developed by JFA Purple Orange is based on feedback from the South Australian disability community and our network, offering practical advice on respectful and inclusive language when discussing disability.
Governments’ Disability Royal Commission responses don’t carry the decisiveness and urgency the disability community deserves
Housing construction peaks must step up and show leadership on NCC 2022 to help end the housing crisis for all South Australians
With four months remaining until the implementation of the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022) in South Australia, the disability, housing, and ageing communities are calling on the housing construction peak bodies, the Master Builders Association SA (MBASA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to show genuine leadership in supporting the roll out for the benefit of the whole community.
New housing ‘super’ portfolio opens door to increase focus on accessibility
Disability advocacy agency JFA Purple Orange has welcomed the elevation of the State Government’s response to the housing crisis after the recent Cabinet reshuffle, but called on housing ‘super’ Minister Nick Champion to match the symbolism with a clear commitment to building inclusive and accessible neighbourhoods across South Australia...
A MOMENT OF ME
Alana [for International Guide Dog Day 2025]
I was matched with my first Guide Dog, Rocket, just weeks after graduating Year 12 and days before my 18th birthday. It was a whirlwind year of finishing high school and going through the matching process with Guide Dogs SA/NT. Being born with Oculocutaneous Albinism and having just 2% vision, I knew that transitioning from high school to studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Adelaide would be a huge change, especially for me.
But once I was matched with Rocket, I knew I was going to be just fine. Within minutes of meeting Rocket for the first time, he was sitting on my foot, asking for cuddles and attention (which I gladly gave him). I officially received Rocket just two weeks before starting my first week at university. That time was spent learning how to work together and get into a routine.
Our first official walk alone was to my very first university lecture. It was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I’ve had, but I’ll never forget the overwhelming sense of achievement and trust I felt with Rocket beside me. It felt surreal to begin this new chapter with my now-best friend.
We learnt to trust, to listen, and to move through the world together which is something I will never take for granted. More than anything, it was empowering. For the first time, I felt like I could move forward without hesitation as he gave me more than mobility; he gave me confidence and freedom. He helped me find my own place in a world that doesn’t always make space for people with disability.
One of the most meaningful parts of our journey has been sharing it with others. Through Guide Dogs SA/NT and other opportunities, I’ve been able to speak publicly about disability and inclusion. Most notably, I’ve shared our day-to-day unique experiences through Rocket’s Instagram page, @Rockets_Launchpad where I share both sides of his life of working and fun.
Rocket helps me connect with people in a way I couldn’t before, whether it’s through social media or spontaneous conversations with strangers in public. He makes my disability visible, but not as something to pity. Instead, he helps people see the connection, not the difference.
Rocket is more than my guide dog. He’s my best friend and daily anchor. He knows me better than most people ever will and he shows up for me every single day without question (most often with a wagging tail). If there’s one thing I hope people take from our story, it’s that independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Sometimes, it looks like opening your life to someone (or in this case, a highly trained and deeply loved dog) who helps you become more of yourself than you ever imagined.
Upcoming Events
Metro: EYDN Crafternoon at Diverse-City
20 May
Join Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) for an afternoon of crafting and connecting as a disability community.
You can bring a long a project you are working on or try a craft EYDN has brought along.
No messy or wet crafts (eg, painting, wet clay)
This is open to the general public to come along to Diverse City, EYDN will be there to support young people with disability.
For young people living with disability aged 16-35 years old.
You do not need to be an NDIS participant.
You do not need to be diagnosed.
Metro: EYDN Crafternoon at Diverse-City
17 June
Join Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) for an afternoon of crafting and connecting as a disability community.
You can bring a long a project you are working on or try a craft EYDN has brought along.
No messy or wet crafts (eg, painting, wet clay)
This is open to the general public to come along to Diverse City, EYDN will be there to support young people with disability.
For young people living with disability aged 16-35 years old.
You do not need to be an NDIS participant.
You do not need to be diagnosed.
We Acknowledge And Pay Our Respects To First Australians
We want to see a world where everyone is included, respected and gets a fair go in life. We can't get there without acknowledging that our office sits on the land of the Kaurna people. Like people living with disability, we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people continue to experience inequality and division. We want them to know we are their allies. We believe their culture, history, diversity and deep connection to the land deserves our highest respect.