About us
About us
JustUs is a disability-led grassroots initiative based in Melbourne. We create accessible community programs designed by and for disabled people.
Our activities are free or low-cost and held in sensory-safe, accessible venues. Everything we run is designed with real access needs in mind, from how events are structured to how information is communicated.
We currently run programs including ceramics workshops, a bookclub, and community chess, with more activities planned as the community grows. At its heart JustUs exists because disabled people deserve community spaces designed by them, for them.
Why We Exist
Many community activities are difficult for disabled people to access due to costs, accessibility barriers, or environments that do not consider sensory and communication needs.
In Australia, many social and learning programs are tied to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which means people without funding can struggle to access community activities. JustUs exists to change that. Our programs are open to disabled adults whether they have NDIS funding or not. Participation is never dependent on having a plan or formal support funding.
We create welcoming, thoughtful programs where disabled adults can learn new skills, meet others, and participate in community life without barriers. Community should not depend on funding eligibility.
Our Approach
At JustUs, accessibility is not treated as an add-on. It is built into our programs from the beginning. All of our activities are designed with the real access needs of disabled people in mind.
This includes how information is communicated, how events are structured, and the environments we choose. We prioritise sensory safe settings, accessible venues and clear inclusive communication.
Programs are designed to be welcoming, flexible and responsive to the needs of the community. As a disability-led initiative, we work closely with participants to learn what works, adapt when needed and ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of the people they are designed for.
Accessibility
JustUs is committed to creating programs that are accessible and welcoming for disabled people. All of our activities are designed with accessibility in mind from the beginning.
This includes choosing sensory safe environments, accessible venues and providing clear, straightforward information about what to expect. We understand that access needs can vary from person to person, and from day to day. Our programs are designed to be flexible and we work with participants to respond to individual access needs wherever possible.
If you have specific access requirements or questions about attending a program, we encourage you to get in touch. We are always open to feedback and are committed to continually improving accessibility across our programs. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are always learning from the community we serve.
What We Offer
We currently run a small number of community programs designed to be accessible, welcoming and responsive to different needs and interests.
These include ceramics workshops, community chess, and a book club. Each program is designed with flexibility, accessibility and participation in mind.
As the community grows, we aim to expand into a wider range of creative, social, and learning based programs.
Disability-led: JustUs, is led by people with disabilities and lived experience. We believe community programs for disabled people should be shaped by those who understand those experiences first hand.
Diversity and Representation: We value diversity across gender, culture, and lived experience. We are committed to working with and supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds, women, men, queer and gender diverse people, and culturally diverse communities.
Education and Curiosity: Learning connects people to the world and to each other. Through activities like chess, reading and creative practices, we encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and life-long learning.
Community-Centered; Our programs grow through listening to the community we serve. We adapt our programs and respond to needs as they emerge.
Dignity and Respect: Every person has inherent worth. Our programs are built on the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
Inclusion Without Gatekeeping: Participation in community should not depend on funding, diagnosis, or formal eligibility. If you identity as disabled or feel our programs would support you, you are welcome here.
Inclusion Without Gatekeeping: Participation in community should not depend on funding, diagnosis, or formal eligibility. If you identity as disabled or feel our programs would support you, you are welcome here.
Values
William is a Melbourne-based ceramicist, community organiser and disability advocate. He founded JustUs to create the kind of community space he struggled to find himself: welcoming, accessible and designed with disabled people in mind from the start.
His work is grounded in the belief that accessibility should be built into community spaces from the beginning, not added as an afterthought. William has run a range of grassroots community programs and believes that disabled people deserve spaces where they can learn, socialise, and participate without barriers.
Alongside his work building JustUs, he spends his time making ceramics, reading widely, playing chess and generally pursuing small nerdy interests that tend to turn into community projects.
Founder
