Consultation has opened across Victoria to shape the next State Disability Plan and Victorian Autism Plan, with the government calling for input from people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers, advocates and community organisations.
The process invites feedback on priorities, lived experience and areas for improvement, as the state prepares its next policy framework to guide services, access and inclusion.
People with disability, Autistic people, families, carers and supporters, advocates and allies, disabled people’s organisations, community organisations and local government are encouraged to contribute their views. Accessible formats and translated materials are available to support participation.
The Victorian Government said it is seeking feedback on “what is working well and what could be improved”, along with “priorities for the future” and “ideas for the next plans”.
Consultation will include a series of forums across the state, with 12 sessions to be held online and one in-person forum scheduled in Shepparton. Each forum will be limited to around 20 participants to allow for direct input and discussion, with sessions co-facilitated by members of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council and supported by the Office for Disability within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
Participants will be asked to share their experiences across a range of areas, including education, employment, health, housing, transport and access to justice. Forums will also cover advocacy, social inclusion, sport and recreation, and community participation, with a focus on ensuring people can contribute beyond the specific topic if needed.
The consultation also includes targeted sessions for specific communities, including Autistic people and those living in rural and regional Victoria. The in-person forum in Shepparton will allow participants to raise a broad range of issues relevant to their experiences.
Expressions of interest to attend the forums are open until 4 May 2026, with selected participants to be contacted later in May. The process will collect information including lived experience, access needs and location to ensure a diverse mix of participants.
The government said feedback gathered through the consultation will be used to shape both plans so they reflect the needs, rights and goals of people with disability across Victoria.
For those unable to attend a forum, submissions can still be made through the Engage Victoria platform, which will remain open during the consultation period.
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