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 also hosts regular professional development events including;
Advocacy Sector Conversations forum series and
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 advocateWhat is disability advocacy?
Info sheet with overview of advocacy types, what disability advocates do, why we need advocacy, shifting social models and how advocacy is funded in Victoria.
Find out moreIn the news
NDIS’s ‘very cold’ attitude leaves parents of disabled boys outraged
The parents of two boys with disabilities say they were shocked with how the NDIS responded to their request for funding for basic equipment. “I didn’t realise we’d have to walk over 10 kilometres of broken glass just to try and get a couple of things to help.”
NDIS posing problems for local participants
The South West Advocacy Service, the regional organisation funded to handle appeals against NDIS decisions, said it had been kept busy with clients who had problems with the new system. Its executive officer Adele Markwell said it appeared there was little consistency in decisions about who qualified for an NDIS plan. Some people qualified while others with similar issues did not, she said. “There are a lot of people out there with mild disability who have had support workers for many years and are now being told they are on their own,” Ms Markwell said.
You want a Mercedes Benz plan but your child is only eligible for a Mini Minor': Inside NDIS review 'hell'
Her son's claim has been under review for 15 months and she said the experience had caused "momentous stress". "The wheels began to fall off" when she was told she would only receive funding for one of her son's disabilities.
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DARU Update- 28th May 2018 Ticket Sales have been released for #SDAC18 too- open the update to find out more! ow.ly/QEjW30kcMGH
Do ONE Thing for Autism A Truly AMAZE-ing campaign asking all Australians to do just ONE thing. Have a look throug… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
Upskill and prepare your employees for the NDIS: Cert lV scholarships now open ow.ly/EiTL30jYH11
YDAS: NDIS readiness workshops for young people, teachers & families – live-streamed This series of live-streamed… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
Advocacy Sector Conversation Forum: 28th June 2018 11-4pm Register Today! ow.ly/gUwp30jYFdf