The role of advocacy in the NDIS: How to access free advocacy services

Published at 04-02-2025 13:30:00

The role of advocacy in the NDIS: How to access free advocacy services

Navigating the NDIS can be complex, and at times, participants may need extra support to ensure their rights and choices are respected. Advocacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities to have a voice in decisions about their care, funding, and access to services. Whether you need help understanding your plan, resolving disputes, or ensuring fair treatment, advocacy services can provide essential support. This guide explains the role of advocacy in the NDIS and how participants can access free advocacy services.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy refers to supporting, representing, or empowering NDIS participants to ensure their rights and choices are upheld. Advocates work to:

✅ Help participants understand their rights under the NDIS.

✅ Support individuals in making informed decisions about their funding and services.

✅ Assist in resolving disputes with service providers or the NDIS.

✅ Ensure fair treatment and prevent discrimination or exploitation.

✅ Provide guidance for people who face challenges navigating the NDIS system.

Advocates work independently of the NDIS and service providers, ensuring participants receive unbiased support.

Types of advocacy

There are different types of advocacy available to NDIS participants, depending on the situation:

1. Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy means standing up for your own rights and making informed decisions about your NDIS plan and supports. Developing self-advocacy skills helps participants:

• Clearly express their needs and goals.
• Understand and question decisions made about their funding.
• Communicate effectively with service providers and NDIS planners.

Support coordinators, plan managers, and advocacy services can assist participants in developing these skills.

2. Individual advocacy

An independent advocate works one-on-one with a participant to address specific issues, such as:

• Disputing a funding decision.
• Ensuring fair treatment by service providers.
• Supporting participants in NDIS plan reviews or appeals.

Advocates act as representatives and assist participants in presenting their case effectively.

3. Systemic advocacy

Systemic advocacy focuses on policy change and improving the NDIS system to make it fairer and more inclusive for all participants. Disability rights organizations and advocacy groups work on behalf of the broader disability community to influence government policies and NDIS regulations.

4. Legal advocacy

Legal advocacy is available for participants facing discrimination, rights violations, or legal issues related to their disability. Organizations such as disability legal services or human rights commissions provide this support.

When should you seek advocacy support?

Advocacy services can assist in various situations, including:

• NDIS access and eligibility – If you have been denied access to the NDIS and believe you should be eligible, an advocate can help you challenge the decision.
• Plan reviews and funding disputes – If your plan does not meet your needs or your funding has been reduced unfairly, an advocate can support you in requesting a review or lodging an appeal.
• Issues with service providers – If you experience poor service, overcharging, or unfair treatment from a provider, advocacy services can help you address these concerns.
• Complaints about the NDIS – If you are unhappy with how the NDIS has handled your case, an advocate can help you file a complaint or seek further action.
• Guardianship and decision-making support – If you need assistance in making legal or financial decisions, advocacy services can connect you with the right support.

If you are unsure whether you need an advocate, speaking to your support coordinator or a disability organization can help you decide.

How to access free advocacy services

Many organizations provide free independent advocacy services for people with disabilities. Below are some ways you can find an advocate to support you:

National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)

The NDAP funds organizations across Australia to provide free advocacy support for people with disabilities. These advocates assist with NDIS-related issues, discrimination, and service disputes.

📌 How to access:

• Visit the Disability Advocacy Finder on the Department of Social Services website.
• Search for an advocate in your local area.

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)

DANA connects people with independent disability advocates across Australia. They can assist with NDIS issues, complaints, and policy advocacy.

📌 How to access:

• Visit the DANA website and search for an advocacy service near you.

State and territory disability advocacy services

Each state and territory in Australia has many different advocacy organizations that support NDIS participants. Some well-known services include:

• Victoria
  • Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID)
  • Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC)
  • Action for More Independence and Dignity in Accommodation (AMIDA)
  • Leadership Plus
  • Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)
• New South Wales
  • Disability Advocacy (DA) NSW
  • Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS)
  • Action for People with Disability
  • Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL)
  • Rights Information and Advocacy Centre (RIAC)
  • Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA)
• Queensland
  • Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI)
  • TASC – Qld Social Justice Centre
  • Rights in Action
  • Speaking Up For You (SUFY)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland
• Western Australia
  • Advocacy WA
  • People with Disabilities WA (PWDWA)
  • Individual Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS) (Sussex Street Community Law Services)
  • Uniting WA
• South Australia
  • Disability Advocacy & Complaints Service of South Australia
  • Disability Rights Advocacy Service (DRAS)
  • Independent Advocacy SA
• Tasmania
  • Association for Children with Disability (TAS)
  • Speak Out Association of Tasmania
  • Your Say Advocacy Tasmania
• Northern Territory
  • Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS)
  • Disability Advocacy Service (DAS)
  • Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council
• Australian Capital Territory
  • ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)
  • Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI)

Legal services for disability rights

If you need legal advocacy for issues such as discrimination, housing, or human rights violations, organizations such as Australian Centre for Disability Law or Legal Aid in your state can assist.

📌 How to access:

• Access the Disability Gateway website to see what is available in your state or territory
• Reach out to disability legal services for specialized support.

NDIS Appeals

If you disagree with an NDIS decision, you have the right to appeal. Free advocacy support is available through the NDIS Appeals Program, where an advocate can help you navigate the review and appeals process.

📌 How to access:

• Visit the NDIS Appeals section on the NDIS website.
• Contact an advocacy service that specializes in appeals and plan reviews.

Learn more about the NDIS Appeals Program here

Final thoughts

Advocacy is a vital resource for NDIS participants, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the funding and supports they need. Whether you require help with a funding dispute, service provider issue, or accessibility concern, free advocacy services are available to support you.

If you need help managing your funding while working with an advocate, Just Plan Managers is here to assist. Call us on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au to learn how we can support you in making the most of your NDIS plan.