Sz Blind Citizens Australia
Ph 1800 033 660 | E bca@bca.org.au_| W bca.org.au | ABN 90 006 985 226
Response to the Commonwealth individual
disability advocacy program
Lodged via: disabilityadvocacyreforms@health.gov.au
Author: Melanie Chatfield, National Policy Officer
Melanie.chatfield@bca.org.au
16 January 2026
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 1 of 18
Contents
<= Blind Citizens Australia
Response to the Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program…………….. CONTENTS… etree ee ened eee eee saad eee ee eaeaaeeeeeeesaaaaeeeeeeees EX@CULIVE SUMIMALY…. eee cece ceeeeeeeeeee eee e sees eee a ease ee eeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesesaeeaaaaeaaaeeeees
Aan | 8) (00 [6 (elt) 9 ee eee
1.1 About Blind Citizens AUStralia…….. cc ccccccee eee ee eee eeeeeeeeeeaeseaaeeaeaeaaeeaaeeeeeees
- SUDMISSION CONTEXT. ………c cee cecccecceececceececcecenecaeececaeeceeseeaaecuesesaecueeaesaeeateaeeseeatenaes
- BCA’s role and approach to Individual AAVOCACY………….ccceccececeeseseeeeeeseeeseeaeeees
- BCA Response to the Program Consultation Paper and Policy Framework…… A.1 Principled fOUNCAtION…………..:ccceeccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaeeeaaaeeeaeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeess
A.2 INCEPCNCENCE….. ee ceeeccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eee eeeaaaee ease ceeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesaeeaaaaeaaaees
4.3 TIMElINGSS..0. occ cece ecccccceececceecececeeceececeaeeaeeceecaecueaeeceeaeeeuesaesaeeseeaseeuesaeeaeeaneeaes
4.4 Eligibility — disability specific OrganiSatiONnS……………ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
4.5 Service MOdEIS……….. nn nn nn nn nn nnn nl nl Sill iiiiiinneneeeeeeeees 4.6 Workforce GeVElOPMe Nh… e cee ceeeceeeeee cece eeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeees 4.7 Referral PathwayS…………ccccceeeccceccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaeseeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
4.8 Networks and partnerships. …………:ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeaaaaaaaaaees
4.9 Funding and sSustainability……..0…. cc cceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeees
7A Os Des
4.11 SyYStEMIiC AAVOCACY……. cece eee cec cece cece ee ee eee eeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeaaaeaaeeeaaees
- RECOMMENCAIONS……… 0c. ceceecceccecaecceccueceeceecaeceeesucaeeceeaeeeeeseeaaesessuesaesneeaeeneeaeeanees Blind Citizens Australia | Page 2 of 18
Executive Summary
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) urges the Australian Government to fund disability specific organisations - particularly those representing low prevalence populations through the Individual Advocacy Program to ensure access to independent, specialist advocacy for people who are blind or vision impaired. People in this community face specific, recurrent barriers that generalist advocacy providers are
often ill-equipped to address.
BCA is the national provider of consolidated, independent advocacy for people who are blind or vision impaired, with formal referral partnerships that ensure a single, streamlined pathway for advocacy and peer support. Advocacy delivered by organisations with lived experience and technical expertise ensures timely and competent support, reduces navigation burdens and allows systemic patterns of
discrimination to be identified and addressed through meaningful representation.
Concentrated and sustained investment in disability-specific organisations like BCA ensures efficiency for government and provision of consistent, high-quality, rights based advocacy, which aligns with the intent of the Individual Advocacy Program and the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (2023). Dispersing funding across multiple generalist providers risks duplication, fragmented responses, and inconsistent
capability, disadvantaging those referred for support.
Generational reforms are transforming the landscape for people with disability and sustained investment in individual advocacy is critical to ensure people can navigate these changes and exercise their rights effectively. The Program must prioritise timely, accessible, and specialist advocacy; leverage existing partnerships and network arrangements; utilise diverse service delivery models to ensure equitable access; and be supported by targeted workforce development to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to contemporary legislative and
policy changes.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 3 of 18
Government must also establish a single, nationally coordinated, de-identified data collection point to identify systemic discrimination early, support evidence-informed
advocacy, and enable government accountability for reform recommendations.
- Introduction
1.1 About Blind Citizens Australia
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) is the peak national representative organisation for Australians who are blind or vision impaired. For over 50 years, BCA has empowered people to lead full, active lives and participate meaningfully in society.
BCA provides expert, individual and systemic advocacy, advice, and peer support for people who are blind or vision impaired, removing barriers and promoting equal access. As a disability-led organisation, our work is directly informed by lived experience: most staff and volunteers are blind or vision impaired, and all directors are members of BCA. We provide culturally safe, intersectional advocacy that recognises people’s unique needs and identities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people experiencing multiple disabilities or complex health conditions.
With nine branches nationwide, BCA delivers regional and interest-based programs, virtual and in-person events, and coordinated activities. Centralising expertise in BCA ensures Australians who are blind or vision impaired receive effective and tailored support and strengthens systemic impact and efficiency for government.
- Submission context BCA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Government’s consultation on the Commonwealth Individual Disability Advocacy Program (the Program). Individual advocacy is a critical mechanism for protecting rights, resolving issues, and ensuring both individual and systemic inclusion. Without it, people are left vulnerable, systemic issues persist, and government and service providers miss
key opportunities to improve access and equity.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 4 of 18
BCA’s submission is underpinned by the following: e Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA/the Act). e Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth). e Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021—2031. e Universal Declaration of Human Rights. e United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). e Recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (The Royal
Commission).
BCA’s submission is based on extensive consultations with our 3000+ members, other people who are blind or vision impaired, and our ongoing collaboration and representation with key stakeholders across industry, government and the disability and community services sector. This submission has been developed in consultation with Vision2020, Guide Dogs Australia, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and the Australian
Federation of Disability Organisations.
Over 500,000 people living in Australia are blind or vision impaired, with more than 70 per cent aged over 65.“ The extent to which people who are blind or vision impaired can actively and independently participate in community life relies on public
facilities, services and systems being designed in a way that is inclusive.
Key themes from the 2025 Guide Dogs Australia Disability Discrimination Act Review
Survey revealed blind and low vision respondents continue to experience: e Discrimination and accessibility barriers in both public and private services. e Transport challenges, particularly taxis and rideshare services refusing guide dogs. e Legal enforcement gaps, with a need for clearer rights, penalties, and accountability mechanisms. e Support and education, including awareness of disability rights and assistance animals. e Digital accessibility issues, and the burden placed on individuals to prove
discrimination.
1 A snapshot of blindness and low vision services in Australia - Vision 2020 Australia
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 5 of 18
e Frustration with systemic barriers and lack of organisational accountability.
These identified areas of discrimination align with those reported by BCA members and continued requests for individual advocacy support by people who are blind or vision impaired. As noted in the DDA review Issues Paper’, nearly half of all
complaints received by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) relate to disability discrimination, demonstrating the significant volume and ongoing need for
effective advocacy support for people with disability.
- BCA’s role and approach to Individual
Advocacy
BCA draws on lived experience to understand every phase of a person’s disability journey and deliver tailored, accessible, real-time advocacy that removes barriers to mainstream services and environments. With a focus on issues that impact on the individual because of their blindness or vision impairment, our personalised approach builds confidence, strengthens self-advocacy and connects people to appropriate supports, making us a uniquely effective and trusted advocate for Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Stakeholders report that by going through BCA people can feel that their complaint will be heard and valued.
Formalised partnerships with organisations such as Guide Dogs Australia and Vision Australia, and established relationships with vision specific, eye health and sensory organisations create efficient referral pathways, ensuring people who are blind or vision impaired are connected quickly to BCA’s specialist advocacy services. This approach reduces duplication and delays; targets support to those who need it most: and maximises impact by immediately linking clients to an organisation with relevant
expertise.
BCA works directly with individuals and through specialist community advocates to resolve issues constructively, escalating matters to formal processes when
necessary. Our remit includes formulating and lodging complaints under the DDA on
? Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Review
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 6 of 18
behalf of individuals (or a group) and providing direct representation in disability
discrimination complaints on behalf of complainants.
BCA’s capacity to provide advocacy is constrained by available resources, requiring prioritisation of requests and management of a wait list. Clients can experience delays in obtaining a resolution to their complaint due to limited organisational Capacity as well as prolonged complaint-handling processes by external bodies which can be frustrating.
Despite sustained advocacy demand, funding for individual advocacy has declined over time and BCA currently has only one Advocacy Officer. BCA does not receive dedicated funding under the Program or to directly support advocacy in relation to the NDIS - despite ongoing complaints from participants about NDIS services and frequent requests for support to resolve issues effectively*. BCA has little choice but to direct members to the Disability Gateway website instead to which there is limited feedback on successful outcomes. Stakeholders report that where someone does manage to get connected with an advocate via the Disability Gateway, efficacy is limited by a lack of Knowledge about blindness, low vision, accessibility, and frequently used supports like orientation and mobility.
With a BCA membership base of over 3,000 people and estimates that more than 500,000 Australians are blind or vision impaired, it is evident that current resourcing for individual advocacy is insufficient to meet the needs of this population. BCA does receive jurisdictional investment from NSW and VIC governments for dedicated activity in their regions however this limitation highlights the continued disparity in funding for people residing in other States and Territories and absence of an
equitable and cohesive advocacy framework across Australia.
BCA’s Year in Review 2024-25 includes a summary of our Advocacy Officer’s work to
support people to exercise their rights. During 2024-2025, BCA successfully closed
over forty-nine individual advocacy cases and, on average, provided information and advice to twelve people a month to support self-advocacy. Advocacy issues included getting access to education, technology, housing (private and public), legal systems,
3 NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. (2024). NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Annual Report 2023-24 — Easy Read version. Australian Government.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 7 of 18
and Centrelink; resolving navigation aid denials and dog guide refusals; and pedestrian safety.
Success for BCA in individual advocacy is achieved when people who are blind or vision impaired experience timely and satisfactory resolution of issues affecting their access, rights, or inclusion, and are empowered to self-advocate in the future. Success is demonstrated through the mutual identification and resolution of barriers,
and improvements in policy and practices that reduce recurrent discrimination.
- BCA Response to the Program Consultation
Paper and Policy Framework
BCA broadly supports the aims, objectives, activities, and outcomes of the Program
however makes several recommendations for improvement.
4.1 Principled foundation
BCA recommends the Program Framework explicitly reference the social model of disability and a human rights—based framework, complemented by person-centred and trauma-informed approaches, to provide a clear, principled foundation for how advocacy is understood and delivered. Together, these frameworks ensure advocacy is responsive to individual needs, and remains focused on achieving lasting, rights
based outcomes for people with disability.
4.2 Independence
BCA agrees that independence in advocacy is crucial to ensure that advocates can act solely in the best interests of the person with disability, free from conflicts of interest (real or perceived), external pressures, or influence from service providers, government agencies, or other parties. Independence underpins trust, effectiveness, and integrity in advocacy. A January 2026 client focus group on effective advocacy by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT confirmed the view that the Program should “guarantee independence”.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 8 of 18
4.3 Timeliness
BCA recommends that timeliness be incorporated into the Program goal i.e. “that individual people with disability, especially those most at risk of harm, get the support
they need, when they need it, to make their own choices and stand up for their
rights.” BCA notes the Program objective is to, “Help people with disability, their families, carers and kin get individual disability advocacy support when they need it.”
Timely access to advocacy support is critical because delays can significantly worsen outcomes for people who are already experiencing disadvantage, stress, or risk. In practice, advocacy is often most effective when it occurs early, before problems escalate or become entrenched.
BCA emphasises the criticality of ensuring individual advocacy supports are sufficiently resourced to provide prompt access in a way that meets individual needs. BCA recommends that the stated Program outcomes include that individual disability advocacy organisations, “are adequately resourced to meet demand in a timely
manner.”
Time-limited decisions, complaints processes, and appeal windows mean that any delay in getting specialist advocacy support can result in people missing critical opportunities to challenge unfair or unlawful decisions. BCA believes there should be no arbitrary limits on when people can make complaints because many people with disability face significant barriers to recognising discrimination, understanding their rights, or accessing advocacy in the first place. Psychosocial distress and complaint fatigue can further impact a person’s confidence, capacity and resolve to self advocate. Advocates play an important role in ensuring that complaints processes do
not undermine access to justice and rights protection.
4.4 Eligibility — disability specific organisations Disability led organisations serving disability-specific populations, particularly those with low prevalence, play an integral role in addressing the unique needs of
individuals and should be eligible for funding under the Program.
While BCA represents a relatively small and widely dispersed population across Australia, the size of the cohort does not diminish the significance of the advocacy
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 9 of 18
required. People who are blind or vision impaired continue to disproportionately experience barriers and discrimination that make access to high-quality, targeted
and independent advocacy essential.
The shift toward the social model of disability has rightly emphasised people with disability as individuals rather than diagnoses, however it has, in practice, contributed to a policy assumption that disability issues can be addressed uniformly through generalist service models. This approach risks overlooking the depth of specialist knowledge required to effectively advocate on complex and recurring
accessibility issues.
People with the same disability frequently encounter common and predictable barriers arising from the way systems, environments, and technologies are designed. For people who are blind or vision impaired, these barriers include inaccessible information and digital platforms, and failures to meet established accessibility standards for transport, education and access to premises. Effective advocacy in these contexts relies not only on an understanding of discrimination law, but on specialist knowledge of how these barriers operate in practice and how they can be
remedied.
Disability-specific advocacy organisations bring lived and technical expertise that cannot be easily replicated in generalist settings. For example, when addressing issues such as an inaccessible banking application, an organisation with specialist knowledge of blindness and vision impairment, such as BCA, can immediately identify relevant accessibility standards, articulate the impact of barriers, and engage constructively with service providers or industry based on prior experience of what has and has not led to change. Results from recent consultation with clients by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT confirmed the preference for lived experience advocates wherever possible and importance of access to technical specialists across digital
accessibility; transport/built environment; NDIS/Aged Care; and disability law.
In generalist advocacy settings, advocates may rarely, if ever, work with a person who is blind or vision impaired, simply due to the small size of this population. As a result, advocates may lack familiarity with core accessibility principles, relevant
standards, and established solutions, reducing the effectiveness and timeliness of
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 10 of 18
advocacy support. BCA stakeholders report frustration when engaging with generalist advocacy services, as significant time and effort can be spent educating advocates on foundational accessibility concepts before effective advocacy can
OCCUTr.
In contrast, disability-specific advocacy organisations, led by people with disability, develop deep, cumulative expertise through repeated engagement with the same
types of barriers across multiple service systems and providers.
Further, concentrating similar advocacy matters within specialist organisations strengthens systemic influence. Coordinated advocacy, where multiple individuals raise the same issue through a single, expert body, creates a stronger evidence base and more compelling case for reform than fragmented advocacy dispersed across multiple organisations. This aggregation of issues supports both more efficient individual outcomes and more powerful systemic change. Engaging with a specialist disability advocacy organisation is more efficient for government, as it consolidates expertise, streamlines communication, and ensures a coordinated
approach.
A Program Framework that values and invests in specialist advocacy provision is essential to ensuring advocacy is effective and genuinely responsive. Without access to specialist advocates, people who are blind or vision impaired are at greater risk of ineffective advocacy, delayed resolution of discrimination, and
diminished access to their rights under the DDA.
Eligibility under the Program’s Service Delivery Stream should explicitly include disability-specific organisations, led by people with disability. The existing description is currently vague, stating that the Service Delivery Stream “Funds organisations to provide direct advocacy support in specific areas, including access for rural and
remote communities and in segregated settings.”
BCA strongly recommends the Program guidance ensures that national and disability specific organisations (such as BCA) can access funding to ensure that
specialised advocacy services continue to meet the needs of low prevalence
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 11 of 18
disability groups (Such as people who are blind and vision impaired) across Australia.
4.5 Service models
BCA recommends the Program includes service models for individual advocacy that utilise a mix of delivery approaches, incorporating face-to-face, phone, and online options, to best meet the needs and preferences of the target group while making
effective use of available resources.
BCA notes that community feedback referenced in the Consultation Paper Executive Summary indicates that individual advocacy “needs to be able to be accessed face to-face.” In BCA’s experience, effective advocacy must be accessible and responsive to the needs and preferences of each individual. As a national organisation, BCA predominantly delivers individual advocacy via phone and online channels to ensure equitable access for people across diverse geographic locations. Transport is consistently identified by BCA members as a significant access barrier, with in-person appointments and events often difficult or impractical to attend for
people who are blind or vision impaired.
With one dedicated Advocacy Officer on BCA’s team, the provision of face-to-face advocacy support would be seen to favour those who live in the same state and city as the advocate, rather than all members having the same level of access to the
advocacy service.
BCA’s freecall 1800 phone number provides free and accessible access to advocacy support across Australia. Email and other online communications promote
professional and effective resolution to advocacy cases.
4.6 Workforce development
BCA recommends expanding workforce development opportunities beyond organisations and advocates directly funded through the Program to build a
sustainable, skilled advocacy workforce. Broadening access would support aspiring
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 12 of 18
and early-career advocates, strengthen capability across the advocacy sector, and
improve referral pathways from allied services.
Workforce development initiatives should include volunteers, peer support leaders, and emerging advocates within disability-led organisations, as well as professionals in related sectors - such as health, community, and social services - who frequently
encounter individuals requiring advocacy support.
BCA supports the employment and development of people with lived experience of disability, particularly in advocacy, policy, and engagement roles, recognising that
lived experience strengthens quality, credibility, and effectiveness of advocacy.
All training and professional development delivered through the Program must be fully accessible and informed by lived experience expertise. Additional targeted training and resources are required to ensure advocacy is delivered in culturally safe and trauma-informed ways, supporting people with disability who experience intersecting inequalities and safeguarding the wellbeing of advocates.
The Program should include education and awareness initiatives to improve understanding of individual advocacy, ensuring people with disability, families, supporters, and frontline workers know how to access advocacy and what outcomes
to expect.
BCA supports the inclusion of peer learning, mentoring, reflective practice, and Ongoing professional development as core Program activities to promote high
quality, inclusive, and responsive advocacy.
4.7 Referral pathways
BCA provides a consolidated, independent individual advocacy pathway for people who are blind or vision impaired, supported by formal partnership agreements that enable service providers to refer individuals directly to BCA for advocacy and peer support. This model promotes efficiency, consistency, and specialist expertise; however, without adequate and sustained funding, referral pathways risk becoming ineffective, resulting in a disservice to individuals who are directed to advocacy
support that lacks the capacity to respond in a timely and meaningful way.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 13 of 18
The Program should ensure strong referral pathways are established for people receiving advocacy support to access safe, inclusive, and expert services, including mental health support and legal representation. This will strengthen the overall effectiveness of advocacy, safeguard wellbeing, and promote equitable access to
essential services.
4.8 Networks and partnerships
BCA supports the intention to foster partnerships with and between disability advocacy organisations. The Program should seek to leverage existing networks and partnership arrangements where possible to reduce duplication and improve
efficiency for service providers and advocacy organisations.
As previously noted, BCA has nine branches around Australia as well as formalised MOUs and partnership arrangements with national and local blindness service providers and eye health promotion organisations. The Program guidance should clarify to what extent use of local branches and established partnerships with relevant organisations would fulfil the requirement of “Working together ina
network”.
Clarity as part of the Program guidance is also required on whether sufficient administrative resourcing will be provided to establish and manage the “network” by the lead agency (and partners) in addition to provision of direct advocacy supports.
In addition to building strong relationships between the department and funded individual disability advocacy organisations, the Program should include mechanisms and supports to build strong relationships between funded individual disability advocacy organisations and relevant disability communities, and between funded individual disability advocacy organisations and funded systemic disability advocacy organisations to reduce fragmentation and duplication and amplify advocacy efforts.
4.9 Funding and sustainability
BCA agrees that current funding for disability advocacy programs isn’t meeting demand and that long term and ongoing funding is essential for planning and
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 14 of 18
sustainability. BCA also agrees that advocacy services need to be stable and enduring so people can build trust and connections and referral Sources can rely on
service continuity.
Given the overall limited investment in advocacy and high demand, the new Program must not be at the expense of, and must supplement and connect with, existing
systemic disability advocacy programs and funding.
BCA supports the move to longer-term funding arrangements with organisations contracted under the Program. However, BCA recommends that these arrangements do not limit opportunities to introduce new service providers to address emerging
and unmet needs and enable the delivery of innovative advocacy approaches.
Recognising the scale and scope of current disability reforms, including review of the NDIS and the DDA, demand for advocacy services is likely to increase significantly. There will also be a heightened need for targeted workforce upskilling to ensure advocates are informed about contemporary legislative and policy changes and can effectively support and protect the rights of people with disability.
In allocating funding for individual disability advocacy services, the government should preference organisations led by people with disability and that employ advocates who are people with disability.
4.10 Data
Evidence from the Royal Commission and DDA review indicates that advocacy data and complaints are fragmented across multiple systems, and systemic issues are
often identified too late due to inconsistent and siloed data.
A single, coordinated data point capturing de-identified information would enable government agencies to better understand patterns of discrimination, monitor
emerging risks, and assess the effectiveness of advocacy interventions.
Without access to consistent data, advocacy demand and impact remain under reported, limiting government’s ability to meet its obligations under the DDA and to implement the Royal Commission’s recommendations for accessible, rights-based
advocacy and prevention of harm.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 15 of 18
BCA notes that the Sector Strengthening Stream includes “evidence-informed improvement and raising systemic issues.” BCA recommends also explicitly including use of data to inform systemic advocacy initiatives as part of the Program activity
and outcome.
4.11 Systemic advocacy
Whilst noting this consultation process is focused on the Individual Disability Advocacy Program, BCA considers that the Program Framework does not sufficiently recognise or address the critical role of systemic advocacy in conjunction
with individual advocacy.
Systemic advocacy cannot substitute for well-resourced individual advocacy, which is essential to safeguarding the rights of people with disability and ensuring immediate, person-centred support in situations of urgency, vulnerability, or power imbalance. However, effective advocacy must extend well beyond the identification
and reporting of individual matters.
Where systemic advocacy is adequately resourced and meaningfully undertaken, it can reduce the recurrence of individual advocacy issues by addressing their underlying causes. For example, sustained systemic action to resolve recurring NDIS-related issues would, over time, significantly decrease the demand for
individual advocacy in this area.
BCA therefore supports the submission from Disability Voices Tasmania, which calls for the establishment of a comparably resourced systemic advocacy program that
both informs, and is informed by, individual advocacy work.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 16 of 18
- Recommendations
- Ensure the Program framework references both the social model of disability and a human rights—based approach to provide a clear, principled foundation and ensure advocacy remains focused on achieving lasting, rights-based,
person centred and trauma informed outcomes for people with disability.
- Explicitly embed timeliness within the Program’s goals and outcomes and ensure individual disability advocacy services are adequately and sustainably
resourced to provide support when it is needed.
- Ensure funding eligibility under the Service Delivery Stream includes disability specific organisations, led by people with disability, that service people from
low prevalence disability cohorts such those who are blind or vision impaired.
- Ensure the Program includes service models for individual advocacy that utilise a mix of delivery approaches, incorporating face-to-face, phone, and online options, to best meet the needs and preferences of the target group
while making effective use of available resources.
-
Ensure the Program adopts a mix of service delivery models (local, regional, state, and national) and guarantees access to specialised, high-quality, independent advocacy regardless of an individual’s location.
-
Increase overall funding for disability advocacy programs and commit to long- term, ongoing funding arrangements to ensure service sustainability,
workforce stability, and continuity of relationships.
- Ensure funding models balance stability with flexibility by supporting longer- term contracts yet retaining mechanisms to introduce new providers to respond to emerging and unmet needs and to foster innovative advocacy
approaches.
-
Expand workforce development and training opportunities beyond Program- funded organisations to include volunteers, peer leaders, emerging advocates, and allied professionals (e.g. health and community workers), to build a sustainable advocacy workforce and strengthen referral pathways.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 17 of 18
- Ensure all workforce development delivered through the Program is accessible, lived-experience-led, and includes mandatory training in culturally safe and trauma-informed practice, with structured peer learning, mentoring,
and wellbeing supports for advocates.
- Include education and awareness initiatives to improve understanding of individual advocacy, with clear referral pathways for supporters and workers to connect people with disability to appropriate advocacy services, ensuring
information, resources, and communications are accessible.
11.Leverage existing networks, partnerships, and collaboration arrangements between disability advocacy organisations and service providers to reduce
duplication and improve efficiency and coordination.
- Enable access to safe, inclusive, and expert services including mental health support and legal representation for individuals receiving advocacy support.
13.Clearly outline the Program expectations and resourcing for establishing and managing advocacy networks, including whether administrative capacity is
funded in addition to direct service provision.
- Establish a single, nationally coordinated, de-identified data collection point for individual advocacy and complaints to enable timely identification of systemic discrimination, strengthen evidence-informed advocacy, and support
government accountability.
Blind Citizens Australia | Page 18 of 18