The Victorian Government is providing more funding to help people with disability and their families access targeted advocacy support when needed.
Minister for Housing Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley said the $6 million in funding will allow disability advocacy organisations to help an extra 300 people a year, with a particular focus on those who require additional support or have complex needs. This can include people with an acquired brain injury, women with disability, LGBTI community members, people in regional areas, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The minister said advocacy is critical to upholding the rights of people with disability and their families. “We are extending the reach of disability advocacy organisations to better support people entering the NDIS, and provide a voice to people who may not otherwise be heard. This is just another example of how Victoria is leading the way in supporting people with disability as we navigate the transition to the NDIS,” he said.
The Labor Government is developing Victorian Disability Advocacy Futures Plan 2018-2020 to guide longer-term action and investment in this area and ensure people with disability continue to have a voice.
To ensure the plan directly targets the specific and diverse needs of people with disability, a discussion paper has been released, with members of the community and disability sector encouraged to provide feedback.
Further information visit: https://providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/disability-advocacy-and-self-help.
To access the discussion paper for the Victorian disability advocacy futures plan 2018-2020 visit: www.statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au/advocacy-futures