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
NDIS in Victoria
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is rolling out across Victoria from July 2016. For all the latest information about the roll out, eligibility, services the NDIS covers and more, visit the NDIS website.
For research and resources on ‘what works’ for NDIS participants and service providers, visit the Centre for Applied Disability Research’s Disability Knowledge Clearing House.
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
DARU Update - 22 May 2017
ILC National Readiness Grants: Winners announced
The successful applicants of the first round of ILC National Readiness Grants have now been announced. total of 39 projects have been funded, across 36 organisations Of these, 15 projects are for Capacity Building for Mainstream, while 24 are for Community Capacity Building The average grant size is $376,000. The average was slightly higher for … Continue reading
DARU Update - 15 May 2017
NDIS Code of Conduct Consultation
The Code of Conduct is part of the new NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework and is been developed to ensure that all NDIS participants have the same protections, regardless of where they live in Australia. The Code of Conduct will outline expectations for providers and workers delivering supports under the NDIS and will outline the course … Continue reading
Metro Trains Text Messaging Assistance Service
Metro Trains is committed to continuously introducing options to ensure an accessible journey for everyone. Customers with communication difficulty or disability will now be given another option for obtaining information through the introduction of a text messaging assistance service. The service will be launched as a 3 month trial from 1 May and will be available … Continue reading
NDIS Report Card: Results highlight areas of concern
At the end o 2016, Every Australia Counts community were invited to share their experiences of the NDIS in a survey. Thousands of people responded and this report card is based on the feedback received The results are a mixed bag – and there’s certainly room to do better. You let us know about what’s working with … Continue reading
In the News
Labor using NDIS and Medicare levy 'to play politics', disability groups say
Published: Mon 15th May, 2017over the Turnbull government’s plan to increase the Medicare levy to fully fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Mother of intellectually disabled woman sues over alleged rape at Melton respite centre
Published: Sat 13th May, 2017The mother of an intellectually disabled woman allegedly raped in care is suing for damages.
Group home 'hell': Open letter calls for royal commission into treatment of people with disabilities
Published: Wed 17th May, 2017More than 100 prominent academics have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calling for a royal commission into violence, abuse and neglect of people with a disability.
Disability sector warns of NDIS staffing turmoil
Published: Wed 17th May, 2017A string of senior executives from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have resigned less than one year after the official roll out of the NDIS – which was marred by an initial IT fiasco and is now the subject of budget debate over the scheme’s future funding.
National Budget 2017
Published: Tue 9th May, 2017Federal budget: Medicare levy and taxes to fully fund National Disability Insurance Scheme Paul Karp, The Guardian Scott Morrison will tonight announce full funding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme beyond 2019, in a move that has forced the government to find an extra $6 billion in annual savings to meet the implementation costs. Big … Continue reading
Family faces struggle to care for dad with brain injury as NDIS rolls out
Published: Thu 11th May, 2017Pill Wellington was a regular dad. Now his memory lasts 20 minutes. A major infection after a seemingly innocuous cut on his hand led to the father of three developing an acquired brain injury, and he now requires around the clock care.
Upcoming Events
Sharing our ABI Knowledge
Thu 1st Jun, 2017
Time: 1-3pm
Hosted by Brain Injury MattersJoin us for afternoon tea and some brain injury culture.
Courageous Leadership - Melbourne
Fri 26th May, 2017
Time: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Hosted by Peter DhuAs leadership attributes go, courage is one of the big ones.
Giving and Receiving Feedback - Melbourne
Fri 26th May, 2017
Time: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Hosted by Violet DhuOne of the most valuable interpersonal skills a person can have is the ability to deliver constructive and effective feedback.
How the NDIS can work for you
Fri 26th May, 2017
Time: 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Hosted by SARU, Start Community Art and Moe Life Skills Community CentreThe Power of Self Advocacy and New Wave are hosting a fun and an information sharing day as part of the Dangerous Deeds Exhibition and Tour.
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.
Support Coordination for Beginners
Tue 30th May, 2017
Time:
Hosted by Disability Services ConsultingThis workshop is designed for organisations and individuals wanting to understand the fundamentals of this new, important support type, including: The four levels of Support Coordination: NDIS expectations of the roles and best practice Using the NDIS Participant Portal Understanding how much Support Coordination is being funded and for whom The resources available to answer … Continue reading .