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
Chelsea
Chelsea lives on Kangaroo Island and has been a member of the SKILL Peer Network for over a year. With a strong desire to help others, Chelsea is passionate about making her community more inclusive - especially for people with hidden disabilities, like herself.
She’s currently part of the Kangaroo Island Future Leaders Program, a six-month course helping people build leadership skills and confidence. Chelsea is the first person with a learning disability to take part in the program. While it hasn’t always been easy, it has been rewarding, and she has noticed the changes in herself since starting the course.
“I’ve learnt how to stand up for myself. I found it really hard at school. I was bullied a lot. But through the leadership course, I’ve learnt how to communicate better, especially when things feel hard or overwhelming.”
And now, Chelsea’s thinking about how she can use her experience to support others on the same journey.
Chelsea also brings her lived experience to an advocacy group with Junction Australia, a service that supports people on Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide metro region. The group meets every fortnight, and Chelsea helps by sharing insights on how services can be more inclusive.
“Being part of the peer network has given me the confidence to speak up. When Lil, our Connector, was away last year, I even ran a couple of meetings. I’ve seen how important it is to help other people in the group get their point across, too.”
Motivated by her own experiences, Chelsea has found other ways to be an advocate. One recent example has been championing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program on Kangaroo Island.
It started after attending a concert in Adelaide. She saw people wearing sunflower lanyards - symbols that quietly let others know a person has a hidden disability. That small moment sparked a big idea.
“I went up to the sensory area and learnt about the sunflower program. Everyone was so lovely. I thought - our community could do this too.”
Since then, Chelsea and Lil have helped their local community centre and medical clinic become sunflower-friendly. They’ve spoken with council and the library, handed out posters, and encouraged services to sign up.
Through it all, Chelsea says she’s still learning - but she’s more confident now. She would like to learn more about advocacy and hopes to become a peer mentor through the leadership program.
“If I have the support, I know I can do it. I want to keep helping people find their voice.”
Chelsea’s advice to others?
“Just be you. You don’t have to speak [at your first peer network meeting]. And you might just meet someone who can support you in your journey. Persevere and take baby steps.”
Upcoming Events
The Julia Farr Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We work on many Aboriginal lands, including Kaurna Country, where our head office is located. We extend our respect to all Aboriginal peoples on the lands where we work, live, and learn. We are committed to walking together and building relationships grounded in the self-determination of First Nations peoples.