About DARU

DARU is unique in Australia as a dedicated resource unit funded to work with disability advocacy organisations to promote and protect the rights of people with disability. We develop and distribute resources and provide training opportunities to keep disability advocates informed and up-to-date about issues affecting people with disability in Victoria.

DARU proudly hosts the advocacy sector’s flagship event each yearn Melbourne in partnership with Disability Advocacy Victoria and Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS). Check out the conference website to catch up on past sessions:

flame icon colour  Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference

 

DARU Update

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Find an Advocate

Directory of organisations for agencies delivering disability advocacy as well as complaints bodies, campaigners, support groups and useful referral and information services.

Find an advocate

Our Publications

A collection of information sheets and reports including ‘What is disability advocacy?’, ‘How to be disability inclusive’ and ‘How we talk about disability matters’.

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Online Courses

Unaccredited online training that supports skill development for providing human rights based advocacy practice. The courses are self-paced and free of charge. Register and learn

Advocacy Sector Conversations Forum

This forum series provides in depth knowledge on topics that impact disability advocacy practice. Session resources include video, audio, transcript and useful links. Browse resources

Disability Royal Commission

Commentary around the Commission’s proceedings with analysis and perspectives under investigation. Find out more

In the news

  • The vulnerable disabled who need advocates

    Is the government so out of touch with the disability community that it did not realise there were barriers to vaccination, including anxiety and difficult behaviours that would require assistance?  Our son weighs 110 kilograms and was not going to let anybody come at him with a needle. Following an intense search, we were lucky to find medical practitioners who could think outside the box, and with the support of Barwon Health’s Disability Support Unit, our son was vaccinated under anaesthetic in July.

  • ‘I like that I got independent’: Australia Post delivers for its disabled workers

    Senior counsel assisting the royal commission, Kate Eastman, said the rates of employment among some of the large and iconic employers and brands in Australia was “disturbingly low”.

  • The exposure of people with disability increased in 2021, but there's a long way to go

    From recent film releases to sporting triumphs at the Paralympics, there has been more celebrated exposure of people with disability this year, but advocates say misrepresentation remains a problem and outcomes for those in the community are progressing too slowly.

Latest tweets

  • Would you like to help other people? Do you want to make new connections in your community? Buddies are volunteers… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • The NDIS have released "Improving Support Coordination for NDIS Participants" paper, which outlines the outcomes fr… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • Today is International Day of People with Disability, and to celebrate why not learn some tips on "How to be Disabi… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • VCOSS have released "Building the capacity of community organisations in recovery" - emergency and disaster recover… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • Next week is Human Rights week! You are invited to engage in activities and start and continue conversations about… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…