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 proudly hosts the advocacy sector’s flagship event each year in Melbourne in partnership with Disability Advocacy Victoria and Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS). Check out the conference website to catch up on past sessions:
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 advocateOur Publications
A collection of information sheets and reports including ‘What is disability advocacy?’, ‘How to be disability inclusive’ and ‘How we talk about disability matters’.
Browse publicationsOnline Courses
Unaccredited online training that supports skill development for providing human rights based advocacy practice. The courses are self-paced and free of charge. Register and learnAdvocacy Sector Conversations Forum
This forum series provides in depth knowledge on topics that impact disability advocacy practice. Session resources include video, audio, transcript and useful links. Browse resourcesDisability Royal Commission
Commentary around the Commission’s proceedings with analysis and perspectives under investigation. Find out moreIn the news
It can't bring their kids back, but these mums hope the disability royal commission leads to change
Whenever Nella Nisco thinks about her daughter Sophia, the first things that come to mind are her smile and laugh. “She was the life of any household she was in,” Nella said. “She kept everyone on our toes, and her sisters absolutely adored her.” Sophia lived with profound disabilities and needed one-on-one support — so life … Continued
Ten Steps Govt. Must Take to Halt Disabled Abuse, Neglect
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is calling for urgent reform to ensure the human rights of people with disability are upheld in Australia, outlining 10 actions that all Australian governments must prioritise.
Four Corners investigation sparks disability advocates' calls for better NDIS regulation
Disability advocates say tighter regulation of NDIS service providers is needed after an ABC investigation uncovered “sickening” practices being used against children with disabilities. The ABC’s Four Corners revealed children with autism and intellectual disabilities were unlawfully pinned to the ground facedown by up to six workers as part of a controversial therapy funded by the NDIS.