Voices, Choices and Futures
National Conference 2026
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Australia
19 May 2026
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Australia (MDAA) invites abstract submissions to contribute to the Voices, Choices and Futures National Conference, bringing together people with disability, families, advocates, academics, community leaders, and sector professionals to share knowledge and lived experience that strengthen disability rights and inclusion for people from diverse backgrounds.
Conference Focus Areas
1. Decision-Making and Disability
Exploring the right of people with disability to participate in, and lead decisions about their own lives, including the role of supported decision-making.
Possible topics:- Lived experience of decision-making with or without support
- Supported decision-making approaches and practice
- Choice, control, autonomy, and rights
- Cultural, family, and community influences on decision-making
2. Education and Disability
Exploring how children and young people with disability can thrive in inclusive education, from early childhood to post-school pathways.
Possible topics:- Inclusive education and early supports
- Diverse family engagement and navigating education systems
- Barriers and enablers to positive educational and wellbeing outcomes
Who Should Apply?
We welcome abstracts from people with disability, family members, carers, community leaders, advocates, educators, service providers, researchers, and policy professionals. Submissions may address one or both focus areas.
How to Apply
To express your interest in presenting, please submit a proposal including:
- Title of presentation
- Abstract (maximum 300 words)
- Biography of the presenter(s) (maximum 150 words)
- Relevant background and qualifications
- Which focus area(s) your abstract relates to
- How you would like to contribute such as oral presentation, poster presentation, workshop, video presentation or audio presentation
Submissions in alternative formats such as video or audio presentations are also welcome.
Key Dates
- Call for abstracts opens – January 2026
- Abstract submission deadline – Monday, 23 March 2026, 11pm AEDT
- Notification of acceptance – Mid April 2026
- Presenter confirmation deadline – Late April 2026
- Conference program released – Early May 2026
- Conference date – 19 May 2026
Submission Details
Submission deadline: Monday, 23 March 2026, 11pm AEDT
Submit your EOI to:
mdaa@mdaa.org.au
This conference is sponsored by the Australian Government | Department of Social Services