Why Your Organisation Needs EPIC
“Inclusion is No Longer Optional”
Every community organisation that works with children is already doing incredible things.
In NSW and across Australia, inclusion is no longer optional: it’s embedded in local government Disability Inclusion Action Plans (DIAPs), state policy, and national disability rights frameworks that aim to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully in community life.
Neurodivergent children — including those with autism and ADHD — are increasingly visible in mainstream schools, clubs and community programs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded that in 2022, 4.3% of Australians aged 5-14 years were autistic. 6-10% of Australian school-aged children are estimated to have ADHD (May et al, 2023). This means organisations are likely to encounter children with very different communication, sensory, and participation needs. But many systems, environments and routines were not designed with that diversity in mind.
Simply put: good intentions don’t always translate into inclusive outcomes without practical planning, reflection and design. That’s where EPIC comes in.
Community spaces play a vital role in supporting well-being, authentic participation and developing a sense of belonging in our neurodivergent kids.
EPIC provides structured, practical support that helps organisations:
Understand their inclusion strengths and challenges through audits and insights
Review and refine programs so they genuinely work for diverse learners and participants
Align with DIAP commitments, NSW disability inclusion expectations, and good practice (without jargon or blame)
Strengthen grant and funding applications (including those like Club NSW and local council community grants) by showing thoughtful planning, context awareness and evidence of meaningful inclusion work
Inclusion isn’t just “the right thing to do” — it’s a strategic asset. It builds safer, more welcoming spaces, improves engagement and participation, and supports organisations to demonstrate commitment to their communities, compliance with policy expectations, and readiness for future challenges.