The work of Victorian disability advocacy organisations is increasingly being consumed by issues related to national systems such as the NDIS and Centrelink. The introduction of the National Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the much anticipated Royal Commission into Abuse and Neglect of People with Disability, further adds to the nationalising of advocacy issues arising for people with disability right across Australia.
The pressure on disability advocacy organisations is relentless. The overwhelming demand for advocacy support through review and appeals processes within national systems means that many organisations are, for the first time, putting waitlists in place as a way of managing the onslaught. Endless efforts don’t seem to be resolving the inherent unfairness and gaining basic rights for people with disability. Burnout is becoming an increasing reality for many disability advocates and yet another thing that organisations need to manage.
The Strengthening DIsability Advocacy Conference for 2019 will have a national focus, so we are extending beyond state borders this year. To this end, Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) will cohost this year’s disability advocacy flagship event in partnership with DARU.
This conference is for anyone who is interested in strengthening and upholding the rights of people with disability.
The Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference is hosted by DARU and is the flagship event for the disability advocacy sector. The conference planning committee is comprised of representatives from disability advocacy organisations. The team putting together SDAC19 includes:
