At Advocacy for Inclusion, we are dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in the ACT by ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld. We provide independent, free, and confidential advocacy services to help individuals navigate complex systems, understand their rights, and access the services they need. However, certain forms of advocacy and support fall outside our scope.
We focus on advocating for individuals who face significant barriers to self-advocacy or require support to ensure their rights are respected. Below is an overview of the types of advocacy we offer and services that we are unable to provide.
What We Do
At Advocacy for Inclusion, we focus on individual advocacy, self-advocacy support, and systemic advocacy. Our team works with individuals facing discrimination, barriers to accessing services, or a lack of representation in important decisions affecting their lives. We ensure that people with disabilities are treated fairly and that their voices are central to decision-making processes.
Our services include:
- Advocating for access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, education, and NDIS supports.
- Supporting people to understand their rights and make informed decisions.
- Assisting individuals in navigating complex systems, such as government services, Centrelink, or legal proceedings.
- Providing representation when individuals cannot advocate for themselves due to communication barriers or complex needs.
- Empowering self-advocacy by providing tools, resources, and information to help people represent themselves in matters that affect them.
What is Outside Our Scope
While we are dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in many areas, certain types of advocacy and support fall outside our scope of support. These include:
- Mediation: Our role is to advocate for the rights of individuals, not to mediate conflicts between two or more parties. Mediation services are available through specialised organisations.
- Support That Could Harm Others or the Individual: We cannot provide advocacy that may harm another person or the individual seeking support. Our approach is centred on ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
- Support When the Person Can Self-Advocate: If a person can advocate for themselves, we focus on providing information and referrals rather than direct representation. Our goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their advocacy wherever possible.
- Help to Apply for the NDIS: We do not assist with completing NDIS access requests or applications. However, we can offer information about the process and refer individuals to services who may be able to help.
- Representation at Internal NDIS Reviews: If an individual can advocate for themselves, and there are no significant communication barriers, or if they have the representation of a support coordinator, we do not provide direct representation at NDIS internal reviews. Our focus is on supporting individuals who face barriers to self-advocacy.
- Assistance with Filling in Forms: We do not offer assistance with filling out forms, including NDIS, Centrelink, or other government applications unless a person’s disability creates a barrier that prevents them from completing the forms independently. In such cases, we can provide support to help the individual overcome these barriers.
In all of these areas, while we may not be able to offer direct advocacy, we are often able to provide guidance, information, and referrals to appropriate services or organisations that can assist.
Our Approach
We prioritise advocacy for individuals who face significant challenges or barriers to self-representation. This includes individuals who:
- Have communication barriers that prevent them from effectively advocating for themselves.
- Are socially isolated and lack support from family, friends, or other networks.
- Face discrimination, exclusion, or difficulty accessing essential services like healthcare, housing, or education.
- Are at risk of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, and require representation to ensure their rights and safety are protected.
We work alongside these individuals to ensure they can exercise their rights, access the necessary services, and participate fully in their communities. Our advocates provide personalised support based on the individual’s specific needs, helping them navigate complex systems and resolve issues preventing them from achieving their goals.
What You Can Expect From Us
When you seek advocacy support from Advocacy for Inclusion, we will:
- Listen to your concerns and understand your goals.
- Provide clear, accurate information about your rights and options.
- Work with you to develop an advocacy plan that addresses your needs.
- Advocate on your behalf when you face barriers to speaking up for yourself.
- Support your right to make decisions about your life and the services you receive.
Where we cannot provide direct advocacy, we will do our best to connect you with resources or services that can meet your needs.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about our advocacy services or if you need help with a specific issue, please complete our Intake Form or contact us directly at (02) 6257 4005.