A Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO) is an organisation where the majority of the members as well as the Governing body (Board of Directors) are persons with disability. DPOs believe that people with disabilities are their own best spokespersons.
Organisations that can offer more information:
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
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.
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
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
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.
Deaf Australia
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
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
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.
Disability Justice Australia (DJA)
Disability Justice Australia provides advocacy support to people who have ongoing support needs as a result of disability. DJA is also funded to provide NDIS appeal support to people with disabilities who live in one of the 5 Local Government areas in Victoria – Banyule, Whittlesea, Yarra, Nillumbik, and Darebin. DJA’s focus is about working with the person with a disability and supporting their needs, rights and interests to address and resolve issues they identify. It is independent of all other services and free of conflicts of interest. There is no charge to use the service.
Disability Resources Centre (DRC)
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.
Down Syndrome Australia
Down Syndrome Australia is the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. Its purpose is to influence social and policy change, provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Australia works collaboratively with the eight state and territory Down syndrome associations to achieve their mission. Its vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential and enjoy social and economic inclusion.
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN)
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) is a national organisation of and for Australia’s First Peoples with disability, their families and communities. They are governed by First Peoples with lived experience of disability. FPDN proactively engage with communities around Australia and advocate for the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability in Australia and internationally.
Learn more by visiting First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) website.
