On Wednesday 25th June 2025, VALID held a special event to celebrate the success of the VALID8 project, which empowered people with intellectual disability to speak up and be heard about their group homes and support.
The VALID8 project had some great achievements! The VALID8 team visited 170 group homes, gave more than 30 people with intellectual disability meaningful jobs that paid proper wages, and showed how important it is for people with lived experience to help review the quality of services and give recommendations about ways to make them better.
Another achievement of the VALID8 project was the creation of the VALID8 Companion App. This easy-to-use touchscreen app made it easier for residents to give feedback and answer questions. It gave people a safe and simple way to share their thoughts.
At the event, members of the VALID8 and Self Advocacy teams shared stories about how the project helped build confidence and encourage people to use their voice. Over the six years of the project, the team also grew in confidence and felt proud to be part of something meaningful.
A special moment was when the VALID8 team received a letter of recognition from the Minister for Disability, the Hon Lizzie Blandthorn, which acknowledged the great work the team had done throughout the program. Argiri Alisandratos, Deputy Secretary DFFH, presented the team with their framed letters. It was a proud moment that showed their work was valued and made a real difference.
Speakers on the day included:
- Kevin Stone AM, VALID’s Founder and former CEO, who created the idea for VALID8
- William Ward-Boas, former VALID8 team member and now VALID Deputy Chair
- Argiri Alisandratos, Deputy Secretary, DFFH Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Everyone enjoyed lunch together and took time to reflect on how VALID8 helped create more inclusive and respectful group homes.