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Power of Advocacy: Championing Disability Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Brandon is a young disability advocate determined to make a difference, particularly when it comes to creating a more inclusive employment culture. These are his thoughts.

Driven by passion and purpose, disability advocate Brandon is on a mission.

To be heard. To break barriers. To create more inclusive opportunities for people with disability.

This story is part of our Power of Advocacy series. It highlights young disability advocates in Australia. They are challenging the status quo, shaping policy and driving inclusion.

Disability advocacy is about more than raising awareness. The focus is on action, representation and creating equal opportunities. Young disability advocates lead this movement, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected.

One advocate is Brandon. He has spent more than 10 years building his career at Endeavour Foundation. Now, he uses his voice to support disability rights, workplace equality and inclusive communities.

Brandon’s Journey at Endeavour Foundation

Brandon works in the People and Wellbeing team at Endeavour Foundation’s head office in Brisbane. He has been with the organisation for nearly 11 years.

Brandon started his career with Supported Employment, a career pathway that allows people with disability to work in a commercial business with the help of onsite employment coaches and production team leaders.

At Endeavour Foundation, this often takes place at our Social Enterprise worksites called Business Solutions, which offer a variety of rewarding roles. While each site is unique, all share a focus on ensuring employees feel safe, supported and valued, whether through packaging, e-waste recycling, food handling or other services.

Brandon worked across multiple Business Solutions worksites before making his way to his current role in Mainstream Employment. He is driven by teamwork

“My colleagues are supportive and collaborative. I value the team environment,” Brandon said.

Over time, Brandon has developed strong skills in administration and organisation. He has also built a deep passion for advocating for youth with disability in Australia.

Standing Up for Inclusion

Brandon is clear about what matters most to him.

“I am all for inclusion. Let people with disability be who they want to be,” he said.

He believes discrimination still creates unnecessary barriers, particularly in employment. Brandon is passionate about ensuring people with disability receive the same opportunities to work and thrive.

Taking Advocacy to Canberra

Brandon took his passion for disability advocacy to Canberra. There, he met with Members of Parliament to discuss two important issues:

  • Equal employment opportunities and fair wages for people with disability
  • The right to retain the Disability Support Pension while also engaging in work

The trip left a lasting impression.

“I felt supported the whole time, and that support boosted my confidence to keep speaking up,” Brandon said.

He paid tribute to various Endeavour Foundation colleagues for their support during the visit.

Brandon is open to returning to Canberra to talk about issues that matter to him. Whether it is disability employment reforms or barriers to social inclusion, Brandon is ready to start the conversation.

Building Confidence Through Advocacy

Balancing work and advocacy can be challenging. Brandon has learnt important time-management and planning skills, which help him keep on top of his job and his advocacy efforts.

For Brandon, advocacy is about creating opportunities for others.

“Give people with disability a go. They can show you so much,” he said.

Brandon’s Advice for Advocates, Employers and Society

Brandon’s journey highlights how advocacy groups for people with disability and supportive workplaces can empower individuals to become leaders and changemakers. His advice is simple but powerful:

  • To people with disability: “Believe in yourself. Have confidence. Do not be afraid to speak up.”
  • To employers: “Give people with disability a chance. Inclusion is powerful.”
  • To society: “Shift from ‘can’t’ language to ‘can’ language; provide more opportunities for people with disability.”

Looking Ahead

Brandon is proud of his work at Endeavour Foundation and aims to continue growing within his team. He knows there is still much more to do to create inclusive workplaces and communities in Australia.

His story shows that when people with disability get support to speak up for themselves and others, they can create genuine change.


Be Part of the Movement

Endeavour Foundation is proud to stand with and champion disability advocates who are shaping a more inclusive future.

Learn more about our disability services and how we are working with young people across Australia to break down barriers and open doors.

Or discover how we support disability advocacy efforts.

If you have any questions about what we do and how we support people with disability to reach their full potential, get in touch with us today.

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Reach your Goals with Endeavour Foundation

Whether you want a job, to learn life skills, live independently or speak up for yourself, we are here to help you at each step.

Our services empower people with disability to own their journey and unleash their full potential.

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