The 'Having a Say' disability conference with Life Without Barriers

This year's VALiD Having A Say Conference took place from January 28 to 30 in Geelong and was another big hit with. People travelled from all states and territories in Australia – many from regional places, and some even came across the ditch from New Zealand.

The new Minster for the NDIS, the Hon Amanda Rishworth, attended on Wednesday, where she launched the updated Disability Strategy.

Life Without Barriers was proud to again be a Silver Sponsor of the conference. We also sponsored the Family Empowerment Award, which was awarded to the person who has stood beside their family member and advocated for their rights to obtain appropriate support, community inclusion and a good life.

Image: Executive Officer Nicole at Life Without Barriers' stand at the Having a Say Conference.

There’s nothing quite like the Having A Say Conference in Australia. The conference offers people with disability the opportunity to discuss issues that affect their lives, learn new things, celebrate each other and to be heard. What makes Having a Say really special is the comradery at each event, as it brings the disability community together.

Sue Brittain, who chooses Life Without Barriers’ Supported Independent Living Services (SIL), was supported by her house supervisor Sibu to attend this year’s event. Sue loves the Having A Say Conference so much that she makes it her annual holiday.

"I love going to the ‘Having a Say’ Conference because people talk about interesting things like advocacy," said Sue.

Image: Life Without Barriers team at the 2025 Having a Say Conference.

Speaking about what she likes to do at the conference, Sue shared she tries to make full use of her time.

"They have stalls there with pamphlets about holidays and day programs like GenU. I like to get pamphlets to bring home. I also like to sit at the Clubmates stall with my friend Peter, and hand out their pamphlets to people who don’t know about them," said Sue.

"They have lots of activities at the ‘Having a Say’ conference too. There are things like motorbike rides and fishing, but I like to colour-in. I also enjoy the disco where they play a good mix of music, and I can dance with the friends I’ve made there over the years."

Image: Sue, left and Sibu at the Having a Say Dinner Disco this year.

We were very pleased to have Steven and Rob at our stand again this year. They did an excellent job letting people know about the supports Life Without Barriers can offer people with disability. Rob and Steven, like many attendees, attended the conference accompanied by Life Without Barriers support staff.

Image: Steven, left, and Rob at the Life Without Barriers Stall at the Having A Say Conference this year.

This year’s theme was ‘Our Lives, Our Voices’. People with disabilities have shared a lot about their lives in the last few years, but have they really been heard? This year’s theme explored how people’s voices are not just recorded, but truly listened to and respected.

Workshops, presentations, performances, the 'Come & Try' activities (like Harley Davidson bike rides and wood crafting), and a Choice Expo provided attendees fun and interactive ways to put the conference theme and goals into practice.

There were presentations where people could learn more about getting jobs, choosing the home they want, keeping safe, and understanding the law. Many attendees took part in workshops exploring safe connections and respectful relationships, and dreams and aspirations.

The conference’s HaS Got Talent Competition and the Art Competition, were hits again this year, as was the signature event that everyone looks forward to, the Dinner Disco. The Dinner Disco was held at Club Italia, and people dressed up, mingled and partied with old friends and new ones, and danced to party favourites played by band ‘Un-Limited’. There was even a quieter area for people who wanted to chat away from the dancing.

Image: Sue shows the painting she created at this year’s Come & Try activity.

Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer at Life Without Barriers, said that the conference is an important opportunity for the Life Without Barriers team to connect with people, not only to lift our profile and share with others the services we provide, but to find out from people what they want and need from us.

"It challenges us to really think about how we engage with people. Each year we walk away knowing we need to improve the way we listen to people and act on what they say."

"There are so many opportunities for people to engage with others to build self-confidence and the skills to advocate for themselves," said Nicole.

"From letting support workers know what they need and want on a day-to-day basis, to raising complaints related to breaches of their Human Rights. There are a range of presentations, workshops and activities for everyone."

"So, I encourage people to keep an eye out for the Having a Say Conference 2026 information. Speak to the people we support about attending next year. It’s a fantastic event developed and run by people with disability for people with disability."

Image: Executive Officer Nicole, left, takes a selfie with Sue at the Dinner Disco.