Home | Disability Advocacy Network Australia

DRC hears stories of chemical restraint

This public hearing in September examined use of psychotropic medication as a chemical restraint. A chemical restraint occurs when medication is not used to treat a diagnosed mental disorder, a physical illness or a physical condition but used for the purpose of influencing a person’s behaviour. Advocates from around the country shared their observations and insights on the topic, reflecting an over-reliance on psychotropic medication to manage “behaviours” and inadequate oversight mechanisms and safeguards for people with disability

Sharing your education experiences with the Disability Royal Commission

To date, the Disability Royal Commission has heard a lot from academics, researchers, and providers at their public hearings. It’s extremely important that the Royal Commission hears from more people with disability at its hearings. If you would like to tell the Disability Royal Commission about your experiences trying to access safe and inclusive school […]

Source: AFDO

DRC hears stories from the pandemic

The Royal Commission held a public hearing in Sydney from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 August 2020. The four days of hearings included appearances by advocates and representatives of advocacy organisations, and National peak disability representative organisations.

National Disability Strategy for beyond 2020

The Australian Government is leading the development of a new National Disability Strategy for beyond 2020. Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments across Australia are working together in consultation with people with disability, their families and carers, advocacy organisations, and peak bodies to develop the new Strategy.

Safeguarding Task Force recommends funding advocacy

Following the suffering and death of Ann Marie Smith, the South Australian Government Minister for Human Services established the Safeguarding Task Force.

Recommendation 7 of the Safeguarding Task Force report is that “the State government invests in individual advocacy to assist individuals with accessing what they need from the NDIS and from the community.”

Joint Media Statement on Victorian restrictions

The NDIA and Victorian Government must prioritise people with disability so they do not suffer in Stage 4 lockdowns. As the Victorian COVID-19 situation worsens and ‘a state of disaster’ is declared, children and adults with disability need to be a primary focus of government. We have already seen infections in group homes for people with disability, and significant impacts on their access to services and children’s right to education.