Australian Federation of Disability Organisations

Samantha Jenkinson originates from Perth and acquired a disability at age 20 from a car accident. Samantha studied social work at university and was involved in students with disability networks whilst attending.

She attended the first Pathway Conference at Deakin University in Geelong and this was her first taste of disability sector politics.

Samantha has worked in employment services and training for people with disability, for People with Disability WA as a systemic advocate and has been on the board of Recreation Network WA.

Samantha Moved to Melbourne and worked as a Case Manager for housing and attendant care for people with disability and later became involved with advocacy organisations in Victoria in particular working on individual funding options and housing.

She attended the Seattle USA Conference on Individualised Funding and Self-Determination and has been involved with Women with Disabilities Australia at a leadership forum a several years ago and became more involved on women's advocacy and issues.

Samantha is now the mother of two and has returned to work part-time on community education and raising awareness.