What Disability Advocacy Means
Disability advocacy involves supporting a person with disability to understand their rights, express their views and access the supports they need. It is grounded in fairness, dignity and equality.
Why Disability Advocacy Matters
Advocacy helps people navigate systems such as:
- NDIS planning and reviews
- healthcare and hospitals
- education and school supports
- housing and tenancy
- employment and workplace inclusion
- community participation and access
Good advocacy supports:
- fair treatment
- better decision-making
- stronger communication
- self-determination
- access to essential supports
Types of Disability Advocacy
Self-Advocacy
When a person speaks up for themselves, makes decisions and expresses their needs or preferences.
Individual Advocacy
One-to-one assistance that supports a person to resolve a specific issue or challenge.
Family Advocacy
Support provided by families or carers to stand up for the rights and needs of a person with disability.
Citizen Advocacy
Trained volunteers who partner long-term with a person to provide independent, rights-based support.
Legal Advocacy
Support within legal or tribunal processes, including guardianship, discrimination matters or NDIS appeals.
Systemic Advocacy
Work that aims to improving policies, laws, services or social attitudes for many people.
Examples of Disability Advocacy
- helping someone prepare for an NDIS planning meeting
- supporting a person to communicate with a service provider
- challenging unfair treatment or unsafe practices
- requesting reasonable adjustments at work, school or in the community
- raising concerns about access, discrimination or rights breaches
Quick Summary
- Disability advocacy protects rights and promotes fairness.
- It helps people navigate complex systems like NDIS and healthcare.
- It can be individual, legal, systemic or community-based.
- Good advocacy is person-led, independent and culturally safe.