Individual Advocacy

Providing a voice for someone and speaking on their behalf

Introduction

The Individual Advocacy Project assists people with disabilities to raise, be heard and act on issues that are impacting on their health and well being.

Role of the Individual Advocate

Advocacy is:

• speaking out or helping a person to speak out for their rights
• representing the interests of a person with a disability
• assisting a person with a disability to access and participate in the community
• assisting people with disabilities to resolve conflicts of interest

The Advocate assists people with a disability who:

• need assistance with a problem which relates to their disability and there is no one else to support them

 The Advocate can help by:

• going to a meeting with you on your behalf
• writing letters for you
• making phone calls for you
• going to court with you

Eligibility

 You can receive assistance if you:

• are a person with a disability
• you live on the Central Coast
• you are under 65 years

 Your disability could be physical; intellectual; sensory; acquired brain injury; neurological; dual diagnosis; learning disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Disability Service Standards

The ten Disability Service Standards ensure the rights of people with disabilities are respected by Government funded Disability Service Providers.

1. Service Access

You have the right to access a service when you need it.

2. Individual Needs

Your have a right to a service that is designed to meet your needs.

3. Decision-Making and Choices

You have the right to participate in decisions that effect you.

4. Privacy, Dignity and Confidentiality

You have the right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

5. Participation and Integration

You have the right to participate equally in the life of the community.

6. Valued Status

Your have the right to develop and maintain skills that enable you to achieve valued status in society.

7. Complaints and Disputes

You have the right to complain and have the complaint addressed.

8. Service Management

You have the right to access a service which maximize outcomes for you.

9. Family Relationships

Your family relationships should be respected, with care taken to protect and enhance these relationships.

10. Protection of Human Rights and Freedom from Abuse

You have the right to feel safe and respected and be treated fairly.

Helpful Links

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

GPO Box 5218

Sydney  NSW  2001

Complaints Information Line: 1300 656 419

TTY: 1800 620 241

Fax: (02) 9284 9611

Email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au

Website: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/ 

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