Advocacy is acting, speaking or writing to promote, protect and defend the rights of a person or group of people. Advocates can advocate for themselves, another person, or a group of people with disability. Advocates may be paid or volunteer their time for free.
Systemic advocacy is when groups or individuals are working for long-term social change to make sure legislation, policies and practices support the rights and interests of all people with disability.
Advocacy for Inclusion represents Canberra’s most marginalised and isolated people with disabilities, including those persons with cognitive disabilities and/or significant communication barriers.
They support the voice of people with disabilities and are committed to growing that voice in all forums.
AFDO is the peak organisation in the disability sector representing member organisations run by people with lived experience of disability. It has a focus on systemic advocacy working for long-term social change for people with disability. It works to make sure the rights and interests of people with disability are served through informing government(s) agencies, and communities on legislation, policies, practices, and initiatives.
A4 is the national grassroots organisation delivering systemic advocacy for autistic people and their close associates who live in close proximity to ASD. A4 advocates for policy, programs and anything else that improves the lives of autistic people. A4’s management always includes strong autistic representatives.
BCA is the united voice of Australians who are blind or vision impaired. BCA provides information, peer support, individual and systemic advocacy, and consultancy services. Whether you are blind, have a vision impairment, a family member or friend of a person who is blind or vision impaired, BCA is there to assist you.
Brain Injury Australia provides information and a gateway to nationwide referral for optimising the social and economic participation of all Australians living with brain injury. It was formed at the first national community-based conference on Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in 1986.
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) is the national peak body which represents children and young people (aged 0-25) with disability. CYDA provides a link between the direct experiences of children and young people with disability and their families to federal government and other key stakeholders.
Learn more by visiting the Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) website.
Deaf Australia is the national peak advocacy and information organisation in Australia for Deaf people who are bilingual – using both English and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Deaf Australia advises government, industry, and service providers about the needs and views of Deaf people, and work to improve Deaf people’s access in a range of areas.
Deafblind Australia (formerly Australian DeafBlind Council ADBC) was set up as an advocacy organisation for people with deafblindness and their families, following the National Deafblind Conference in Melbourne in 1993. Deafblind Australia educates members of the public and relevant government organisations about deafblindness.
Deafness Forum Australia is the national peak body representing all interests and viewpoints of the one-in-six Australians who are deaf, deafblind, have a hearing loss or a chronic ear or balance disorder, and the families who support them.
Learn more by visiting the Deafness Forum Australia website.
The Disability Resources Centre (DRC) is a membership-driven organisation managed and staffed by people with disabilities. It provides individual advocacy for adults with disability, and also work on systemic issues and support campaigns which aim to provide long-term benefits for many people.
