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:
Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference
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 advocateOur 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’.
Browse publicationsOnline 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 learnAdvocacy 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 resourcesDisability Royal Commission
Commentary around the Commission’s proceedings with analysis and perspectives under investigation. Find out moreIn the news
Disability care watchdog has issued just one fine despite 8000 complaints
The scandal-plagued disability sector will get $22 billion from the federal government this financial year, but an independent review found the system left vulnerable people open to harm and neglect. Mr Shorten said NDIS Minister Stuart Robert had presided over a "toothless and sleepy" watchdog that in reality is "more like a very expensive purse poodle".
NDIS watchdog failing to protect disabled people
Australian Greens Disability Rights and Services spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has labelled reports that the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has fined just one provider, despite receiving more than 8000 complaints, as deeply concerning but not surprising.
AAT rejects NDIS independent assessments
In a recent decision the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has commented on the NDIA’s use of an independent assessor, stating “this type of therapist is not appropriately qualified” and that the assessor’s understanding was mistaken.
Latest tweets
Sign the Petition: Align both Disability Support Pensions! The standard DSP effectively puts a ceiling on the amoun… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
National Youth Disability Summit run by @CydaAu starts on Tue 29th Sep. The conference is designed by and for young… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The Self Manager Hub has more than 400 resources to give you ideas and help you self manage an NDIS plan. It’s for… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Watch Yvette Maker, Senior Research Associate at Melbourne Social Equity Institute talking about "Supporting people… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Hosting a virtual meeting? Is it accessible? Please take the time to watch this presentation on inclusive online me… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… Retweeted by DARU