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
Crackdown on motorbikes that block disability access on city footpaths
Melbourne is the only Australian capital city where it is legal for motorcyclists to park on footpaths as long as they do not obstruct access. But as the city becomes more congested, obstacles on footpaths including motorcycles, bikes, A-frame signs and cafe tables, are making pedestrian crowding worse and life very difficult for people with disabilities. On Tuesday, the council will install “no stopping” signs along footpaths next to more than 50 disability parking bays in the CBD. The fine is $165.
NDIS clients call for new approach to regional transport funding
A spokesperson for the NDIA said while the NDIS provides some assistance, the states and territories are responsible for making transport accessible.
NDIA staffing boost and new CEO draws cautious optimism from stakeholders, snark from opposition
The head of People with Disability Australia, Jeff Smith, was pleased by the staffing boost and welcomed Hoffman’s appointment but also called on the NDIA to keep looking for opportunities to employ people with disabilities.
Latest tweets
VCOSS Breakfast: Disability Diversity on Your Board - Tue 19th November. Christina Ryan, CEO and Founder of the Dis… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Brain Injury Australia's 7th National Brain Injury Conference is on Mon 28th Oct, 2019 - Tue 29th Oct, 2019: Parkvi… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2019 videos are up on the DARU website! Check it out all the ses… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
#WeAreAble inclusive volunteering campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering by… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The Advocacy Sector Conversations Forum agenda is now finalised. A downloadable Word version is available via - daru.org.au/event/advocacy…