Welcome to Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU)
DARU is a statewide service established to resource the disability advocacy sector in Victoria.
T: (03) 9639 5807 | E: admin@daru.org.au | Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Get the DARU Update
The DARU Update is a weekly e-newsletter featuring news items, resources and events of interest to disability advocates as well as providing information about funding opportunities, job vacancies in the sector and how to get involved with inquiries and campaigns.
The Latest from DARU
Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2017
14 Sep 2017, 2:00-4:30pm: Defiant Lives
Pre-conference screening – introduces the world to the most impressive activists you’ve never heard of and tells the story of the rise and fight of the disability rights movement in the United States, Britain and Australia. Featuring
15 Sep 2016 9:30am-5:00pm: Gearing up for the NDIS journey
This conference features a keynote address and facilitated panel discussions looking back on the journey so far, how well the principles of choice and control are being embedded in NDIS policies and processes and what road blocks to avoid on the road ahead
Advocacy Sector Conversations
The aim of this forum series is to discuss matters which directly impact on the practice of disability. Dates for 2017 are 22 February, 18 May and 21 November. Forum resources include summary, links to resources mentioned, transcript and audio and, in 2017 we introduce live-streaming videos. Go to the forum summaries page.
New YouTube DARU channel
DARU is now on YouTube. Our beautiful video on the rights under the UN Convention is available and the Rights Tough playlist from the 2016 Strengthening Disability Advocacy conference. We’ve also found some talks by advocates that you may find interesting. Check out the DARU channel on YouTube
New to the Resource Library
How to get the NDIS on track
The NDIS is the right reform for Australia; but the scale and complexity of implementation is placing enormous pressure on all stakeholders. Some of this pressure is an inevitable consequence of large-scale change, but some is avoidable. The road to the NDIS is rougher and riskier than it needs to be. In this paper, NDS … Continue reading
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Costs: position paper
This position paper outlines the Commission’s early thinking on NDIS costs. The purpose of this position paper is to seek feedback on the Commission’s preliminary conclusions, and on any additional issues that should be considered before the public release of the final study report. This position paper was released on 14 June 2017. You are … Continue reading
Applications for the Multicultural Youth Network are open!
If you are between 16 and 25 and interested in advocating for culturally diverse young people and developing your skills as an emerging leader – apply now to become a member of Victoria’s Multicultural Youth Network (MYN). The MYN engages in discussion and liaises with the Victorian Government on issues and initiatives that affect young … Continue reading
Changing Places Funding Round 2017 is now open
Changing Places Funding Round 2017 is now open Funding of up to $100,000 (plus GST) will be provided to support local councils and not-for-profit organisations to construct a Changing Places facility. Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets, and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a … Continue reading
DARU Update 19 June 2017
UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with a Disability- Call for Comment
Call for Comments on the Draft General Comment on the Right of Persons with Disabilities to Live Independently and Be Included in the Community (Article 19) In 2014, the CRPD Committee decided to prepare a draft General Comment on article 19 of the Convention. The Committee considered that it was important to clarify the content … Continue reading
In the News
Welfare groups object to move to strip disability benefits from substance abusers
Published: Wed 21st Jun, 2017Medical and welfare groups are strongly opposing a federal government move to strip disability benefits from people whose health problems were caused solely by their own substance abuse.
Children with autism are 'holding our kids back': Senator Pauline Hanson
Published: Wed 21st Jun, 2017Students with disabilities should be removed from mainstream classrooms because they are putting a strain on teachers and schools, One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has told parliament.
Pauline Hanson's call to 'segregate' children with disabilities 'bigoted', advocates say
Published: Thu 22nd Jun, 2017Disability advocates and politicians have slammed One Nation senator Pauline Hanson’s call for children with autism and disabilities to be removed from mainstream classrooms, saying the “hurtful” idea would amount to “segregation”.
Gonski 2.0: Schools for special-needs kids to get extra funding
Published: Wed 21st Jun, 2017Key points: 26 independent schools for children with special needs will receive extra funding under Gonski 2.0 Funding for children with special needs in public schools will double by 2027 Labor claims the real rise is only equivalent to $100 million a year
The proposed changes to disability support pension are dangerous and unfair
Published: Wed 21st Jun, 2017If the government’s proposed changes go through the parliament this week, then from 1 July people with severe impairments caused by alcohol or drug dependence applying for the DSP will be diverted on to income support and required to meet all the necessary job search obligations. This is despite most not being able to look … Continue reading
Boy with autism takes NDIS therapy dog fight to court
Published: Tue 20th Jun, 2017A BOY, 6, with autism is taking the National Disability Insurance Scheme to court as he fights for his assistance dog, a black labradoodle called Betty. Henry Lee has been denied disability support for Betty despite the agency funding autism assistance dogs in QLD and SA.
Upcoming Events
What makes us healthy? A disability perspective
Tue 27th Jun, 2017
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Hosted by University of Melbourne/Melbourne Brain CentreJoin writer and performer Emily Dash, journalist and appearance activist Carly Findlay, and Disability Discrimination Commissioner Alastair McEwin in conversation about what keeps us healthy and happy whatever abilities or disabilities we have.
What makes us healthy? A disability perspective
Tue 27th Jun, 2017
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Hosted by Centre of Research Excellence in Disability & HealthOne in five Australians has a disability.
NDIS Understanding workshops
Tue 30th May, 2017 - Tue 27th Jun, 2017
Hosted by Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) Disability LoopThe NDIS Understanding workshop series is for people with disability and their families. Funding received through the Victorian Government’s NDIS Transition Support Package means the workshops can be run free of charge across key regional areas in Victoria over the next few months.
Strength Based Career Planning and Information
Fri 21st Jul, 2017
Time: 1pm - 6pm
Hosted by National Disability Coordination Officer ProgramWhat are your skills and interests? What are you good at? How can you turn this into an education or career pathway? This EXPO event will highlight and connect young people and adults with disabilities to the range of Education and Employment service and supports in the Eastern Region of Melbourne.
“Unpacking Elements of the NDIS”
Tue 25th Jul, 2017
Time: 10.00am - 2.30pm
Hosted by Autism Family Support AssociationThe Autism Family Support Association – AFSA – is the voice for Victorian parents, carers and families of individuals with autism/autism spectrum disorder (ASD). AFSA’s purpose is to assist and support individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing emotional and practical support for parents, carers and families..
Belonging Matters' Conference 2017
Wed 16th Aug, 2017
Time: All day
Hosted by Belonging Matters'Community is an important place.