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:

flame icon colour  Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference

 

DARU Update

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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 advocate

Our 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’.

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Online 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 learn

Advocacy 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 resources

Disability Royal Commission

Commentary around the Commission’s proceedings with analysis and perspectives under investigation. Find out more

In the news

  • Finding love is always a long shot, but these couples with disabilities are defying all the odds ABC

    Hannah said the care her boyfriend provided was something an able-bodied partner may not be able to offer, or even understand.  For some love matches, it's a case of opposites attract but for these couples it is shared experiences of living with disability that helps bind them together.

  • First Nations voices to strengthen NDIS

    The involvement of First Nations peoples in developing a strategy for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is more important than ever, as new data shows greater numbers of First Nations peoples accessing the NDIS.

  • A quest for dignified health care for women with disabilities

    Sexual and reproductive health services are often inaccessible to women with disabilities for many reasons, including attitudes from health providers and a lack of physical access. In this story, a woman with disability talks about her experience giving birth and how it drives her activism today.

Latest tweets

  • In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, The Office of the Public Advocate invite you to j… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • The first NDIS Review ‘Have your say’ opportunity is now open. Check out the Australian Government link below on h… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • What is internalised ableism? It is an internal form of discrimination where a person will beat themselves up for h… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • My CP Guide is a website full of information and resources for people with cerebral palsy and their families and su… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

  • Independent Mental Health Advocacy have released a toolkit with information and worksheets to help people know thei… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…