One Small Thing Campaign

Our new look is here

JFA Purple Orange has a refreshed brand and accessible new website, co-designed with people with disability.

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability 2023

In 2023, the JFA Purple Orange ran the #OneSmallThing campaign. We asked people to do one small thing each day, for seven days leading up to International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

Each day focused on a different area where small actions can make a big difference for inclusion. The campaign highlighted stories, shared resources, and provided practical tips in the areas of:

Digital Communication
Language
Employment
Housing and Community
Education
Technology
Events

Light purple graphic with a dark purple desktop monitor icon and white lines representing a circuit in the background.

Digital Communication

Small changes online make a big difference

Accessible digital communication means making sure websites, documents, and social media can be used by everyone. Nearly one in five Australians have a disability, so building accessibility into your digital content is essential.

People interact with technology in many different ways. For example, Steven Hellier, who is deafblind, says:

“When my iPad is set up with a black background and white font, I can read slowly.”

This shows how small adjustments can make information easier to access. To learn more about different ways people communicate, watch our Demystifying Diverse Communication video.

Top digital communication tips

Aim for WCAG 2 AAA accessibility where possible.
Use alt text, keyboard input, transcripts, and structured content.
Start with these resources:

Choose the right colours to convey your information: minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio.
Use alt text or descriptions in captions so screen readers can convey the full picture.
Add captions and voiceover to videos to support people with hearing or reading difficulties.
Helpful tools and resources:
- Vision Australia tips and resources
- Social Media Accessibility Checklist
- WebAIM’s easy-to-use contrast checker

Microsoft programs have built-in accessibility tools.
Top 5 tips:
- Turn on the Accessibility Checker.
- Use page breaks instead of repeated returns.
- Add alt text to images (or mark decorative).
- Add tables with exact numbers alongside graphs.
- Use colour and words together to convey information.
Refer to Microsoft’s accessibility recommendations.

Light purple graphic with small white speech bubble icons and a large one with symbols inside followed by 3 exclamation marks.

Language

Words shape inclusion

Language has power. What we say, and how we say it, can either build inclusion or create barriers. Language changes over time, and it’s our job to adapt with it.

Not everyone communicates in the same way. Diverse communication is part of everyday life, and it should never stop connection. Asking respectful questions, learning from mistakes, and being open to change helps us build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Visual resources in this section highlight outdated language and why language matters when speaking about disability, including examples of unhelpful words and narratives.

Content warning: Some videos and images in this section include ableist words and slurs, which may be triggering.

Top language tips

Disability is not a dirty word — avoid euphemisms.
Do not use ableist language or slurs.
Mobility aids enable independence; people are not “wheelchair bound.”
Avoid unhelpful phrases like:
- “They overcame their disability.”
- “They don’t let their disability stop them.”
These phrases place blame on people with disability instead of the barriers created by society.

Content warning: Please note that the below image contains phrases and slurs that have been used in the past, but which should no longer be used. They may be triggering or upsetting.

In this next video, you’ll learn why language matters when speaking about disability. Hear from the disability community as they share their experiences and provide advice on how you can make people living with disability feel included.

Content warning: Ableist language and slurs. Please note that the below video may be triggering or upsetting as it contains ableist words and slurs.

Please don’t let this video scare you! Mistakes happen and provide an opportunity for growth and learning.

Ask: “Do you use identity-first or people-first language?”
Ask: “What are your access needs?”
Ask: “What can I do to support you best?”
Offer: “Is there anything I should know or research to support you better?”

When asking questions:

Always be polite and respectful.
Remember disability is only one part of someone’s identity.
Provide questions ahead of time when possible.
Some topics may be triggering — create safe spaces where people can decline.
Use content notes around topics like ableism.

Light purple graphic with a dark purple 'We're hiring' sign and white icons representing things like job offer, job ads, and applying online.

Employment

Building inclusive workplaces benefits everyone

People with disability are more likely to be underemployed or in low-quality jobs. Barriers such as inaccessible workplaces, low expectations, and negative attitudes continue to limit opportunities.

Most people with disability can work when these barriers are removed. Creating an inclusive workplace culture is the best place to start.

Top employment tips

Adjust recruitment techniques — invite people with disability to apply and ask about interview adjustments.
Explore job carving to make the best use of each employee’s strengths.
Give people real opportunities to learn, grow, and develop.
Use the Toolkit for Business to strengthen your inclusion practices.
Refer young people with disability (15–25) to CYDA’s DREAM Employment Network

Job ads: Invite applications from people with disability; show examples of how you provide inclusion.
Interviews: Tell candidates what to expect; provide questions in advance; ask about adjustments.
Induction: Provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions and expectations.
Work culture: Invest in training such as Easy Read and Easy English, or Disability Inclusion Training.

Watch our Inclusive Employment Video series, developed through the Road to Employment program.

Job carving means tailoring duties to match a person’s strengths. It can help retain staff, support people with fluctuating health, and build an inclusive culture.

Board Chair Trish Spargo experienced this first-hand when her role was customised after returning from surgery.

Read Trish’s story.

“Everybody wants to grow. Everybody wants to learn. Everybody can do things, sometimes they gotta do it a different way.”
– Gavin Burner, Inclusion Advisor and podcaster.

Gavin’s story highlights the importance of inclusive pathways beyond supported employment.

Listen to Gavin’s story.

The Road to Employment Business Toolkit offers practical resources you can adapt for your workplace. Use it to:

Support recruitment staff during induction.
Enhance Diversity and Inclusion Training.
Create “Lunch and Learn” sessions on disability topics.
Build leader capability through workshops.
Share with staff to grow awareness and confidence.

The DREAM Employment Network connects young people with disability (15–25) with forward-thinking employers. It builds leadership skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for young people to thrive.

Employers and young people can find resources and sign up through CYDA’s website.

Purple house icon in the center, surrounded by icons representing various housing-related themes: a key and house (top left), a medical centre (bottom left), a group of people in a circle (top right), and public transport symbols including a train and bus (bottom right). The background is light purple.

Housing and Community

Belonging starts close to home

Accessible housing and inclusive communities are essential for people with disability to live safe, connected, and fulfilling lives. Social isolation and loneliness can harm both physical and mental health — and people with disability are twice as likely to experience isolation as non-disabled people. That’s why we need to build homes and neighbourhoods where everyone feels welcome.

Top housing and community tips

The Inclusive Neighbourhoods initiative set out to reduce isolation by encouraging people to connect with their neighbours, especially those who may be more vulnerable. It highlighted the importance of building relationships and taking part in everyday community life.

Inclusive Neighbourhoods showed how people can:

Build friendships and support networks.
Feel a genuine sense of welcome.
Contribute their skills and passions.
Take part in regular activities that bring people together.

Neighbourhood initiatives might be sports clubs, community gardens, faith groups, cafés, or organised events. You can help create belonging by:

Saying hello and starting a conversation.
Asking about interests and passions.
Checking what access barriers exist and how to remove them.
Inviting someone to join you.
Thinking in terms of roles, not just activities.
Supporting people to grow social connections.

Visit the Inclusive Neighbourhoods project.

Imagine not being able to enter your front door, use your bathroom, or visit friends because of inaccessible housing. For too many people with disability, this is reality.

The National Construction Code 2022 Livable Housing Design Standard, which came into effect in October 2024, was introduced to ensure that new homes are designed with accessibility in mind. Read our media release about the NCC 2022 Livable Housing Design Standard.

But what about existing homes? Here are some small ways to make a difference:

Keep living spaces open and uncluttered.
Add raised garden beds for easier access.
Use technology to automate daily tasks.
Install flat entrances through doorways.

Glenda’s story, on the inhousing website, shows what’s possible — she transformed her historic bungalow into a colourful, accessible oasis.

For ideas about using technology to automate daily tasks, visit Stretchy Tech.

Education

Every learner matters, equally

Inclusive schooling lays the foundation for an inclusive society. If children grow up learning and playing alongside peers with disability, it becomes natural later in life to work together, hire inclusively, and build communities where everyone belongs.

Through our Raising the Bar workshops and the Inclusive School Communities project, we’ve worked with parents, educators, and students to promote genuine inclusion in schools.

Top education tips

Inclusive education means that children and young people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities can:

Be welcomed at their local school.
Access and participate fully in a high-quality education.
Learn and engage in the same curriculum alongside peers of the same age.
Experience a safe, supportive environment free from bullying or discrimination.
Achieve academically and socially, with support tailored to their strengths and needs.

Technology

Inclusive technology that builds independence and connection

Technology has the power to transform everyday life. For people with disability, inclusive assistive technology can mean greater independence, dignity, and participation at home and in the community.

“Assistive technology helps provide me with equity: It enables me to engage with the world and escape the isolation that I face without the support.” – Annette Holden

Read Annette’s story about living with low vision and how technology supports her independence.

Top technology tips

Explore customer stories on the Stretchy Tech website to see the real impact of inclusive technology.
Research mainstream devices — many everyday technologies can increase access and independence.
Browse the Connect with Tech website for videos, tips, and resources designed for people with disability.

Inclusive assistive technology doesn’t need to be complicated or hard to come by. Mainstream devices — like smart speakers, video doorbells, or smart locks — can make a big difference to daily life.

Have you ever wondered how you might answer a phone call without using your hands, or check the front door if you couldn’t reach it quickly? Mainstream technology can help bridge these gaps, making homes and communities more accessible.

Examples of inclusive technology include:

Smart locks that open with a fingerprint, PIN, fob, or app.
Video doorbells that show who’s outside and allow communication.
Smart speakers that set reminders, control devices, or show doorbell feeds.
Smart plugs that let you control ordinary devices with your voice.
Smart lights with adjustable colour, brightness, and routines.
TV voice control and streaming features.
Switchbots to automate switches.
Custom routines to automate daily tasks.

Through Stretchy Tech, you can find a range of inclusive technology solutions to achieve greater independence. Why don’t you book a time to visit the Stretchy Tech Hub?

Stretchy Tech: Inclusive assistive technology service delivered by inhousing. Focused on mainstream technology solutions that build independence and connection.
Connect with Tech: A hub of videos, tips, and workshops to help people with disability explore technology options for home and community.

A purple calendar icon with a check mark in the centre is featured on a light purple background. Surrounding the calendar are white line icons including a megaphone, ticket, location pin, and a group video call, representing events, announcements, and planning.

Events

Accessible events create welcoming spaces for everyone

Events bring people together — and they should be open to everyone. Making an event accessible means thinking about physical spaces, information, and attitudes at every stage: before, during, and after.

Accessible events take planning and ongoing commitment. The checklist questions provided in the section below are just a starting point.

For more support, you can book Accessible Events Training.

Top event tips

Ask yourself:

Did you ask about access needs at registration (without requiring a separate form)?
Is the venue close to public transport, with accessible parking and drop-off zones?
Does the venue have ramps, lifts, wide corridors, and accessible bathrooms with lightweight or automatic doors?
Can people register or buy tickets in different ways (online, phone, in person)?
Have staff been briefed on attendee access needs and what’s available?

Consider:

Have you set up large, clear signage throughout the venue?
Are registration tables suitable for both seated and standing attendees?
Have you provided water and toileting facilities for assistance animals?
Are presentations available in digital and physical formats, ideally before the day?
Can people join both in-person and online?
Have you provided event maps (digital and physical) so attendees can plan their day?
Are front-of-house staff briefed and ready to welcome all attendees?

Follow up with:

Did you debrief with staff to capture what worked and what didn’t?
Have you embedded accessibility requirements into future venue and event applications?
Do you include people with lived experience of disability in co-design groups for major events, audits, and planning?
Do you actively employ people with disability across all areas of your organisation, not just for events?

Our new look is here

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability 2023

Digital Communication

Top digital communication tips

Build accessible websites

Make social media accessible

Create accessible documents

Further resources

Language

Top language tips

Key takeaways

Understanding the effect of ableist language

Asking questions respectfully

Employment

Top employment tips

Key takeaways

Practical steps for inclusive employers

Job carving in action

Opportunities to grow

Toolkit for Business

DREAM Employment Network

Housing and Community

Top housing and community tips

Inclusive Neighbourhoods

Accessible Housing

Education

Top education tips

What is Inclusive Education?

Exclusion, Segregation, Integration, and Inclusion

Technology

Top technology tips

Top tips at a glance

Harnessing mainstream technology

Further resources

Events

Top event tips

Before the event

During the event

After the event