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Advocacy & Information Services in NSW

Quick Links For This Page:

Disability Advocacy Finder
National Disability Gateway
NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program
Disability Australia Hub
ACT Disability, Aged Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)
Regional Disability Advocacy Service (RDAS)
Ability Advocacy (now part of SCIA)
ACTION Advocacy
CID (Council for Intellectual Disability)
Disability Advocacy NSW (DA)
Newell Advocacy
People with Disability Australia
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
Self-Advocacy Sydney
Side By Side Advocacy
Australian Indigenous Health Info Net
Aboriginal Legal Service
First Peoples Disability Network Australia
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC)
Ethnic Community Services Co-Operative
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
Family Advocacy
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
Amputees NSW
Blind Citizens Australia
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Deaf Connect
Down Syndrome Association of NSW
Muscular Dystrophy NSW (MDNSW)
Council for Intellectual Disability
One Door Mental Health
Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA)
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)
Stroke Recovery Association NSW
Synapse NSW

Disability Advocacy Finder

The Disability Advocacy Finder is now hosted through Ask Izzy. This tool allows you to search for disability advocacy providers in your area. Please note, this will only provide information on advocacy providers that receive federal advocacy funding.

Start your search by visiting the Disability Advocacy Finder website.

National Disability Gateway

This portal provides information and services to people with disability, their family and carers. They can help you find information and support for financial issues, employment, assistive technology, housing, transport, health, education and human rights.

Visit their website at www.disabilitygateway.gov.au or phone toll free 1800 643 787, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program

As a result of recommendations made by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, the Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) was launched on 1 February 2022. The DAFP program funds systemic, individual and representative advocacy services across NSW.

Visit the DAFP website.

Disability Australia Hub

The Disability Australia Hub is a project of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and provides a gateway to disability knowledge, advocacy and information resources.

Start your search by visiting their website at www.disabilityaustraliahub.com.au.

Individual Advocacy Services in NSW

ACT Disability, Aged Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)

An independent not-for-profit ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service work to promote and protect the rights of people with disability, older people, those experiencing mental-ill health and carers. ADACAS provide advocacy services in the ACT as well as Southern NSW, Illawarra Shoalhaven and Murrumbidgee. Visit their website at www.adacas.org.au, phone 02 6242 5060 or email adacas@adacas.org.au.

TTY call 133 677 and ask for 02 6242 5060. Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450.

Regional Disability Advocacy Service (RDAS)

The Regional Disability Advocacy Service provide, individual and self-advocacy, community education and training along with outreach services, NDIS access and support and NDIA appeals. Visit their website at www.rdas.org.au. Call toll free on 1800 250 292 or call the regional office at:

  • Griffith 02 6909 1787.
  • Lavington 1800 250 292.
  • Wagga Wagga 02 6921 9225.
  • Wangaratta 03 5718 0171.
  • Wodonga 02 6056 2420.

National Relay Service TTY/Voice 133 677 or internet relay at www.relayservice.com.au.

Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) is for non-English speaking or English as a second language phone 131 450 and ask to be connected to 02 6056 2420.

Ability Advocacy (now part of SCIA)

Ability Advocacy run advocacy and disability support programs in the Alstonville region of northern NSW. Phone 02 6628 8188.

ACTION Advocacy

ACTION for People with Disability covers the northern suburbs of Sydney and the Central Coast, providing individual advocacy as well as advocating for systemic change, working to advance the rights of people with disability.

For more information visit their website at www.actionadvocacy.org.au phone 02 9449 5355 or email office@actionadvocacy.org.au.

CID (Council for Intellectual Disability)

CID are a disability rights organisation led by people with intellectual disability. People with intellectual disability are at the core of CID, from their staff and decision-makers to the members of their board.

CID campaign for systemic change, helping organisations to become more inclusive and accessible. They also provide individual advocacy.

Visit their website at www.cid.org.au email info@cid.org.au or phone 1800 424 065.

Disability Advocacy NSW (DA)

DA helps people of all ages with any type of disability or mental illness get fair treatment in the across many regions of NSW.

Some of the topics they may be able to assist with include helping you get a fair go:

  • from government departments, services and businesses.
  • at work, university, school and TAFE.
  • with accommodation, transport and access.
  • with legal, health care or financial issues.
  • with discrimination matters.

Visit their website at www.da.org.au, call 1300 365 085 or 02 4927 0111.

National Relay Services: TTY call 133 677 and ask for 1300 365 085.
Translating and Interpreting Services: 131 450.

Regional Offices:

Central Coast, Hunter North and South
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 4927 0111
Email newcastle@da.org.au

New England
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 6776 6201
Email newengland@da.org.au

Northern NSW
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 6651 1159
Email northcoast@da.org.au

Mid North Coast
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 6651 1159
Email midnorthcoast@da.org.au

Western and Far West NSW
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 6332 2100
Email western@da.org.au

Western Sydney, Nepean and Blue Mountains
Phone 1300 365 085 or 02 4708 3047
Western Sydney Email westernsydney@da.org.au
Nepean Blue Mountains Email nepeanbluemountains@da.org.au

Newell Advocacy

Newell Advocacy covers an area of 160,000 square kilometres, provide a range of services including.

  • Discrimination
  • Human Rights
  • The Law
  • Accommodation
  • Abuse/Bullying
  • Employment

Visit their website at www.newelladvocacy.com.au or contact your local office at:

Coonamble
Mobile 0428 923 195
Email derek@newelladvocacy.com.au

Gilgandra
Mobile 0428 923 195
Email derek@newelladvocacy.com.au

Gunnedah
Mobile 0484 923 195
Email ange@newelladvocacy.com.au

Moree
Phone 02 6752 1215
Mobile 0429 923 195
Email Newell.moree@westnet.com.au

Narrabri
Phone 02 6792 3195
Email newell.narrabri@westnet.com.au

Quirindi
Mobile 0484 923 195
Email ange@newelladvocacy.com.au

Walgett
Mobile 0458 923 195
Email Newell.walgett@bigpond.com

Warrumbungle
Mobile 0428 923 195
Email derek@newelladvocacy.com.au

People with Disability Australia

People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWDA) is a national disability rights and advocacy organisation.  PWDA’s primary membership is made up of people with disability and organisations primarily constituted by people with disability.

PWDA offer services in:

  • Boarding house advocacy.
  • Disability rights information service.
  • Education and training.
  • Individual and group advocacy.
  • Membership services.
  • Supported projects.

For more information about PWDA visit their website at www.pwd.org.au phone 02 9370 or email pwd@pwd.org.au.

National Relay Service call 1800 555 660 and ask them to call People with Disability Australia for you.

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is an independent, non-profit law and policy organisation, committed to social justice and addressing disadvantage.

PIAC helps people by providing legal assistance, policy advice and training. PIAC works with people who have the least access to economic, social and legal resources and opportunities. This includes people experiencing homelessness, children in detention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who have suffered discrimination and those who struggle to access essential services.

For more information about PIAC please visit their website at www.piac.asn.au phone 02 8898 6545.

Self-Advocacy Sydney

Self-Advocacy Sydney was founded in 1986 and is an organisation run by people with intellectual disability for people with intellectual disability, supporting and providing the tools for people with intellectual disability to advocate on their own behalf.

Visit their website at www.sasinc.com.au, phone 02 9622 3005 or email info@sasinc.com.au.

Side By Side Advocacy

A community based not-for-profit organisation based in West Ryde, Side By Side Advocacy promote the interests, needs and rights of people with intellectual disability.

Visit their website at www.sidebyside.org.au, phone 02 9808 5500 or email info@sidebysideadvocacy.org.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations

Australian Indigenous Health Info Net

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is an internet resource that aims to inform practice and policy in Indigenous health by making research and other knowledge readily accessible. In this way, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet contributes to closing the gap in health between Indigenous and other Australians.

Their work in the area of translational research with a population health focus makes research and other information available in a form that has immediate, practical utility for practitioners and policy makers in the area of Indigenous health, enabling them to make decisions based on the best available evidence.

They also encourage and support information-sharing among practitioners, policy makers and others working to improve Indigenous health.  Yarning places or social media channels are electronic networks which allow people with common interests and purposes to share information, knowledge and experience from different states, territories, regions and sectors.

For more information about the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, visit their website at www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au.

Aboriginal Legal Service

The Aboriginal legal Service (ALS) has been providing legal service and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people all over NSW for more than 50 years.

Visit their website at www.alsnsnswact.org.au, phone 02 9213 4100 or email community@alsnswact.org.au.

First Peoples Disability Network Australia

First Peoples Disability Network Australia is a nationwide organisation made up of First Nations People, offering services to those with disability and their families and local communities. The governing body consists of First Peoples with disability or lived experience of disability.

FPDN provide individual advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, and work towards the recognition, respect and the protection and fulfilment of the human rights of First Peoples with disability.

For more information visit their website at www.fpdn.org.au, email enquiries@fpdn.org.au or phone 02 9267 4195.

Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC)

Their mission, “To improve the health, social, emotional and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal People.” SRAC provide a huge range of services and programs. They also provide advocacy through the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS). Visit their website at www.srac.ngo.

Phone 02 4721 1536 or email info@SRAC.ngo.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Organisations

Ethnic Community Services Co-Operative

The Ethnic Community Services Co-operative provides multilingual and multicultural advocacy to culturally and linguistically diverse people. They have also developed a range of innovative programs for children, families, people with disability, older people and carers.

The team at ESCS speak over 108 languages along with some Indigenous languages.

ESCS aim to make a difference in the lives of CALD people by advocating and listening, educating and providing services that support diversity and inclusion.

To contact Ethnic Community Services Co-operative visit their website at www.ecsc.org.au, email admin@ecsc.org.au or phone 02 9569 1288.

Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association

The Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) is the peak body for all people in NSW with disability and their families and carers, with a particular focus on those from a culturally and linguistically diverse / non-English-Speaking background with disability. MDAA have branches in the city and Inner West, Bega, Griffith, Newcastle, South East Sydney and Wollongong.

For more information visit their website at www.mdaa.org.au, phone toll free 1800 629 072 or 02 9891 6400 or email mdaa@mdaa.org.au.

National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)

NEDA advocates at the federal level for the rights and interests of people from Non-English-Speaking Backgrounds (NESB) with disability, their families and carers so that they can participate fully in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life.

NEDA provides policy advice to the federal government and other agencies to secure equitable outcomes for people from NESB with disability, their families and carers.

In states and territories where no NESB-disability advocacy agency exists, NEDA undertakes development work to try to establish a structure that can support and represent people from NESB with disability, their families and carers.

For more information visit their website at www.neda.org.au, phone 02 6262 6867 or email comms@neda.org.au.

Children and Families

Family Advocacy

Family Advocacy NSW is an independent and impartial advocacy organisation that works with families across New South Wales, Australia to promote and defend the rights and interests of people who have a developmental disability.

Some of the responses to enquiries made by families has varied depending on the circumstances but have included:

  • working with the caller to formulate a course of action.
  • sending resources such as articles or brochures to supplement knowledge and make the possibility of coming to an informed decision more likely.
  • providing contact details for other organisations where the information required is outside the areas of expertise of Family Advocacy such as legal matters.
  • completing research around an issue to ensure that the caller has the most up to date information or new perspectives about an issue.
  • making contact with a senior decision maker where an issue is of systemic significance.

Visit their website at www.family-advocacy.com, phone 1800 620 588 or 02 9869 0866.

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) is the national peak body representing children and young people aged up to 25 with disability.

CYDA represent children and young people by:

  • Listening and responding to the voices and experiences of children and young people with disability.
  • Advocating for children and young people with disability for equal opportunities, participation and inclusion in the Australian community.
  • Educating national public policy makers and the broader community about the experiences of children and young people with disability.
  • Informing children and young people with disability, their families and care givers about their citizenship rights and entitlements.
  • Celebrating the successes and achievements of children and young people with disability.

Visit their website at www.cyda.org.au or phone 03 9417 1025.

Representative Disability Organisations

Amputees NSW

Amputees NSW provides support to anyone affected by limb difference, by exploring new and innovative ways to increase awareness and a healthy life for those living with limb difference. Visit their website at www.amputeesnsw.org.au, phone toll free 1800 810 969 or email amputees@amputeesnsw.org.au.

Blind Citizens Australia

Blind Citizens Australia is the national representative body for people who are blind or vision impaired. BCA provide individual advocacy, information, peer support and systemic advocacy.

To contact Blind Citizens Australia, visit their website at www.bca.org.au, email bca@bca.org.au, text 0436 446 780 or phone toll free on 1800 033 660.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance provide a huge range of services from Supported Independent Living through to NDIS assistance.

Visit their website at www.cerebralpalsy.org.au, phone toll free on 1300 888 378 or 02 9975 8000 or email ask@cerebralpalsy.org.au.

Deaf Connect

Deaf Connect is one of Australia’s leading providers of specialist services for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing people and their families. Their focus is that their members have access to all areas of life.

The Deaf Society have branches in Parramatta, Gosford, Newcastle, Lismore, Canberra and Wollongong. They provide a range of services from support coordination and NDIS plan management to translation and life skills. You can find their NSW branches at Parramatta, Charlestown, Canberra, and Wollongong.

To find out more visit their website at www.deafconnect.org.au or phone 02 8833 3600.

SMS 0497 587 188 or info@deafconnect.org.au or email communityaccess@deafconnect.org.au.

Regional Offices:

Charlestown
Phone 02 4032 5507
SMS 0481 071 111

Canberra
Phone 0410 443 770
SMS 0410 443 770
TTY 02 8833 3691

Wollongong
Phone 1800 893 855
SMS 0406 940 899
TTY 02 8833 3691

Down Syndrome Association of NSW

Down Syndrome NSW work hard to support people with disability to achieve their full potential through all stages of life.

Visit their website at www.downsyndrome.org.au, phone 02 9481 4444 or email admin@dsansw.org.au.

Muscular Dystrophy NSW (MDNSW)

Muscular Dystrophy NSW’s purpose is to empower, connect and support people with neuromuscular conditions, and effectively advocate for the neuromuscular community.

MDNSW provide individual advocacy, information, and support coordination along with camps and retreats and other great events that bring people together. They also have a strong commitment to research and fund raising into the treatments available for neuromuscular conditions.

Visit the MDNSW website at www.mdnsw.org.au, email info@mdnsw.org.au or phone toll free 1800 636 109 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

Council for Intellectual Disability

CID advocate for the rights of people with disability, focusing on health, decision making, jobs and education, NDIS, abuse, inclusion, transport and technology. Visit their website at www.cid.org.au, phone toll free 1800 424 065 or email advocacy@cid.org.au.

One Door Mental Health

One Door Mental Health was formerly known as the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, providing innovative services and advocacy support. Visit their website at www.onedoor.org.au, phone toll free 1800 843 539 or 02 9879 2600 email reception@onedoor.org.au.

Short Statured People of Australia (SSPA)

The SSPA believe people of short stature are entitled to the same love, respect, care and education and opportunities as the rest of the community.

Visit their website at www.sspa.org.au or email info@sspa.org.au.

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is all about promoting independence and continues today with a proud history of providing consumer-based support and exercise rehabilitation services to people with physical disabilities.

Support provided by SCIA includes:

  • Accommodation and emergency care.
  • Advocacy Services.
  • Employment service.
  • SCIA Grant Scheme.
  • Information service.
  • Injury prevention – team safe.
  • Peer Support.
  • Regional services.
  • SCIA events and activities.

Visit their website at www.scia.org.au, phone toll free 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.

Stroke Recovery Association NSW

The Stroke Recovery Association was established in 1977 to aid the recovery and support of Stroke survivors and their families and carers.

Visit their website at www.strokensw.org.au, phone 02 9807 6422 or email at info@strokensw.org.au.

Synapse NSW

Synapse provides specialist supports for people and their families who have been impacted by brain injury. They provide access to valuable resource information and services, including housing support.

Visit their website at www.synapse.org.au, phone toll free 1800 673 074 or email info@synapse.org.au.