Some options for families in need of advocacy support to help resolve issues and concerns:
Grampians disAbility Advocacy (GdAA)
Grampians disAbility Advocacy has outlets in Ararat, Ballarat, Stawell, Daylesford, Clunes and Horsham. GdA services 11 Local Government Areas from Bacchus Marsh to the South Australian border. GdA is an independent advocacy service with a team of skilled workers who can help resolve many issues affecting people with disabilities. GdA is funded by both Commonwealth and State Governments.
RIAC – Rights Information and Advocacy Centre
RIAC Provide NDIS appeals support across our region and general advocacy around Maryborough, Bendigo and Geelong Disability Services Commissioner http://www.odsc.vic.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/
Disability Services Commissioner (DSC)
Works with people with a disability to resolve complaints about disability service providers, and we work with disability service providers to improve outcomes for people with a disability. Whether you are a person with a disability, a family member or friend of someone with a disability, a staff member, carer, or a member of the community – you have the right to contact DSC with a complaint here, or even just for advice and guidance.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA) makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your disability. The Commission’s role is to get both sides of the story and help those involved resolve the complaint.
Association for Children with a Disability (Vic)
ACD is particularly good at assisting families to resolve problems with schools and is an excellent resource for information and support.
Phone: 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (rural callers)
Email: mail@acd.org.au
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (National) http://www.cda.org.au/ CYDA has the mandate to advocate for children and young people with disability living in Australia and undertakes the following to achieve its purpose:
• Advocate for children and young people with disability for equal opportunities, participation and inclusion in the Australian community.
• Educate national public policy-makers and the broader community about the experiences of children and young people with disability.
• Inform children and young people with disability, their families and care givers about their citizenship rights and entitlements.
NDIS COMPLAINTS
https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/feedback-and-complaints
NDIA believe their frontline staff are the best people to assist you. If you want information about their services, or you are unsure about something, they encourage you to contact your local NDIA office. You can also send an email to feedback@ndis.gov.au or call us on 1800 800 110. If we can’t help you, we will try to refer you to someone who can.