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, host the Advocacy Sector Conversations forum series and the Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference and provide other training opportunities to keep disability advocates informed and up-to-date about issues affecting people with disability in Victoria.
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 early intervention scheme criticised for poor training and engagement
A federal parliamentary inquiry has heard repeated criticism of the early childhood, early intervention approach being rolled out as part of the NDIS. Allied health groups and disability service providers say NDIA staff are often poorly trained, and don't always accept advice from health professionals.
NDIA denies Cate Blanchett-voiced 'Nadia' virtual assistant is in doubt
The National Disability Insurance Agency has insisted it is still developing an innovative virtual assistant program, voiced by Cate Blanchett, despite reports it had been deterred by the “robo-debt” and census crises.
NDIS' virtual assistant Nadia, voiced by Cate Blanchett, stalls after recent census, robo-debt bungles
The so-called "Nadia project" aims to help people navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through a virtual assistant. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is the voice of Nadia, whose face and personality has been created by New Zealand artificial intelligence whiz Mark Sagar.
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‘Advocacy Matters’ campaign born daru.org.au/conference-new… from @daruvic
#SDAC17: tickets have now closed because we have SOLD OUT!! five days to go! see you there! pic.twitter.com/FkioW00JAv
#SDAC17 Countdown begins!! seven days to go! Ticket sales CLOSE at 5pm today!don't miss out! ow.ly/J1Bw30dI7Gl
#SDAC17 Countdown begins!! seven days to go! Ticket sales CLOSE at 5pm today!don't miss out! ow.ly/GFEl30dI7yR
Desensitisation- The Rebuttal, Gary Kerridge is constantly calling out discrimination affecting our mental health? daru.org.au/resource/desen…