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 2016 are 1 March, 23 June and 24 November. The first forum had an NDIS focus and the audio, transcript and other resources is now available from 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 this year’s conference. We’ve also found some talks by advocates that you might find interesting. Check out the DARU channel on YouTube
New to the Resource Library
Survey of Housing Needs in the Eastern Metro Region
With the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, many people for the first time will have adequate and appropriate supports and services of their choice. However the shortage of housing options for people with a disability remains a major problem. There is a significant lack of accurate information regarding the demand for such housing – … Continue reading
DARU Update - 26 September 2016
Petition: Disability Access & Parking in Victoria
Outdated Victorian laws on disability parking and access mean that people with a disability risk parking fines. It’s time to change these antiquated laws to allow people with disabilities to live a life free from discrimination, negative community attitudes and allow them to live an independent life with easier access to homes, employment and facilities.
Changing Places survey
The Victorian Government is funding the construction of 15 new Changing Places facilities. This funding forms part of $3.3 million in funding announced through the Victorian Budget 2016-17 to kick-start initiatives under the Victorian state disability plan 2017-2020 which is due to be in place on 1 January 2017. Changing Places are larger than standard … Continue reading
Auslan Interpreter for the Australian Anthem on AFL Grand Final Day
The Australian Football League (AFL) are currently refusing to provide an Auslan Interpreter for the Australian Anthem on Grand Final Day. The AFL often claims to support and promote diversity throughout their programs and events, but is refusing to provide Auslan Interpreters for a singular event, which does not seem to celebrate diversity at all. … Continue reading
Voice at the Table resource kit
Voice at the Table(VATT) is a pilot project which aims to increase the number of people with cognitive disabilities sitting on boards, committees and advisory groups within government, service providers community and mainstream organisations at a local, state and national level, in order to inform and actively participate in planning, advocacy, policymaking, service development, delivery … Continue reading
In the News
Disability advocate seeks Conroy seat
Published: Tue 20th Sep, 2016Australia could have its first blind federal parliamentarian if a grassroots campaign is successful. Tony Clark was Labor’s unsuccessful candidate in the Victorian seat of Deakin at the July election, running under the slogan “No sight but great vision”. The former Vision Australia manager is now being touted as a replacement for retiring Victorian Labor … Continue reading
Australian govt will push IT vendors to make products disability-friendly
Published: Mon 19th Sep, 2016The Australian government has put technology vendors on notice to make their software more accessible for public servants with disabilities. John Sheridan, the Australian government’s chief technology officer, has revealed that the Commonwealth is poised to launch a public consultation process in order to bring its ICT procurement standards for accessibility into line with European … Continue reading
Mums of children with disabilities call for more specialised school holiday programs
Published: Fri 16th Sep, 2016Working parents say they are going without pay to care for their disabled children because of Glen Eira’s inadequate respite services. Frustrated parents said the strain is at its worst during school holidays which are set to begin next week.
NDIS myplace portal explained
Published: Wed 31st Aug, 2016On the same day the NDIS began full transition a new payment portal, myplace was released. It’s been getting some pretty bad press since then, here’s why.
Disability campaigner Megan Grant says she was refused service because of her assistance dog
Published: Wed 11th Sep, 2019A Disability campaigner says she was refused service in two Mentone eateries because she had her assistance dog with her.
Emigrate to Australia: new deal for disabled
Published: Sun 11th Sep, 2016A new National Disability Agreement seeks to improve both life and work opportunities for those with disability. The new agreement between the Australian and state and territory governments covers the provision of disability services for people with disability.
Upcoming Events
World Mental Health Day Expo
Mon 10th Oct, 2016
Time:
Hosted by Neami National CroydonLive performances from Full Mental Jacket and the Rock Road Choir Guest speaker mental health/LGBTI advocate and Greens Candidate, Jason Ball Free Health Checks from Inspiro Community Health Service Free Tai Chi workshop Delicious food available for purchase Children’s colouring competition Consumer art exhibition Stalls from mental health and wellbeing organisations.
Launch of Voice at the Table Kit
Tue 11th Oct, 2016
Time: 11:15am
Hosted by SARUYou are invited to the launch of the Voice At The Table (VATT) training and resource kits by Louise Glanville Deputy CEO, National Disability Insurance Agency.
I can't read that: Easy English writing workshop
Thu 13th Oct, 2016
Time: 9:30am - 4:
Hosted by SCOPE Resource CentreThis workshop is relevant for people who write information for their staff or customers, such as brochures, flyers, newsletters, letters, surveys, policy documents, handbooks, manuals, plans, posters and content for the web.
Understanding Abuse and Staying Safe- Free Forums
Fri 21st Oct, 2016 - Fri 11th Nov, 2016
Hosted by National Disability Services & VALIDThis forum series is about human rights, safety and preventing abuse and neglect of people with disability.
NDIS and Mental Health
Wed 26th Oct, 2016
Time: 9.30-4.00pm
Hosted by VICSERVThis forum will share important and up-to-date developments and draw attention to the key issues affecting organisations, consumers and carers in providing mental health supports in an NDIS world.
NDIS information sessions for carers, people with intellectual disability and children
Wed 3rd Aug, 2016 - Wed 26th Oct, 2016
Hosted by Maribyrnong City CouncilThe roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the biggest reforms in the disability sector.