Illawarra advocacy is a not-for-profit, federally funded organisation that is governed by a Board of Management and employs a small number of staff. Our employees are professional advocates that offer our clients issue based support. As Illawarra Advocacy does not charge for its services, it is able to offer independent advocacy that is free from any conflict of interest concerns.
Illawarra Advocacy has continuously provided its advocacy services to people with disability in the Illawarra region since 1989. Since 2010, Illawarra Advocacy placed an increased focus on its Individual Advocacy Program. In 2014, it was decided by the Board of Management that Illawarra Advocacy would solely focus its resources on the Individual Advocacy Program. Illawarra Advocacy has found that this model of advocacy is the most effective and efficient form to reach the most number of positive outcomes for people with disability in the region.
Illawarra Advocacy Upholds and promotes :
- Respect for the inherent dignity, independence and autonomy of people with disability
- Non-discrimination
- Full, effective participation and inclusion in society
- Respect for difference and diversity
- Equality of opportunity
- Accessibility
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disability and respect for the right of children with disability to preserve their identities
- Active partnerships between services and people with disability, and where appropriate, their families, friends and carers
Illawarra Advocacy receives funding from the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to advocate/support people with disability to engage in the Disability Royal Commission
In this role our advocates can;
- help people understand the purpose of the Royal Commission,
- provide advice on issues/risks that may arise while engaging with the Royal Commission (noting that legal issues/risks will be referred to appropriate legal advisory services),
- help work out whether people want to participate in the Royal Commission,
- help people who want to participate in the Royal Commission plan the best way to tell their story,
- help people communicate with the Royal Commission about supports,
- refer people to other agencies for ongoing counselling and/or psychological support, and
- deal with other related issues faced by people engaging with the Royal Commission.