The National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) assists people with disability to overcome barriers (i.e. physical access, discriminatory attitudes, abuse, neglect etcetera) that impact on their daily life and their ability to participate in the community.
In 2009-10 approximately $14.5 million in program funding will be offered under the National Disability Advocacy Program to 63 organisations operating across Australia.
NDAP Funding Round
Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding to provide individual advocacy support to the Mt Isa region under the National Disability Advocacy Program. Applications close Friday 20 November 2009. For further information please visit the disability section on the FaHCSIA website or contact Disability Advocacy - FaHCSIA (disabilityadvocacy@fahcsia.gov.au)
Extra funding in 5 regional and metropolitan areas to expand the delivery of individual advocacy support
In April 2009, eligible organisations were invited to apply for new funding to five regional and metropolitan areas. This funding will further improve access for people with disability to individual advocacy support, assisting them to overcome barriers such as abuse, neglect and discrimination so that they can fully participate in the community.
Details have been finalised for these areas and the six successful organisations are:
| State |
Region |
Agency |
| Western Australia |
Broome and Derby-West Kimberley Shires |
Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre |
| Western Australia |
Wanneroo, Joondalup and Stirling City Council areas |
Sussex Street Community Law Service And UnitingCare West |
| Northern Territory |
East Arnhem Shire |
Darwin Community Legal Service |
| New South Wales |
Botany, Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra, Rockdale, Hurstville, Kogarah and Canterbury |
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW |
| Queensland |
Sunshine Coast Regional Council area |
People with Disabilities Australia Inc |
National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Quality Improvement Strategy
Work on the development of a quality improvement strategy for the NDAP commenced in 2007/08. Since then, the NDAP sector has worked closely with the Department on development of the quality assurance component of that strategy.
On 30 May 2008, Community and Disability Services Ministers made a commitment to bring about improvements to disability advocacy through reform. Since then, Disability Ministers have agreed to a national reform of the disability service system. This includes development of the National Disability Services' Quality Strategy which will provide national consistency in quality assurance processes and the continuous improvement of disability services, including disability advocacy agencies.
To better support this broader reform agenda, and to ensure that disability advocacy is truly represented in the progress towards this national quality improvement strategy, the decision was made to delay the NDAP quality assurance trial scheduled to commence in October 2008.
The Department has greatly appreciated the feedback from the NDAP sector in developing the NDAP quality assurance system. Feedback arising from the February/March 2008 consultations is available in the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Quality Assurance Consultations Report. This report summarises feedback from stakeholders and makes recommendations around a draft set of revised Disability Advocacy Standards, Key Performance Indicators and Evidence Guidelines; plus characteristics of the disability advocacy models. The report also provides draft policies and procedures against the set of Standards.
In the meantime we have worked with the NDAP sector to progress other key components of the NDAP quality improvement strategy, with a priority on continuous improvement. This work has resulted in development of the National Disability Advocacy Program Quality Improvement Toolkit which is now available online. This Toolkit is designed to provide practical tools, resources and advice to assist NDAP agencies develop and improve advocacy work within existing and future quality assurance requirements. Agencies are encouraged to try out the tools within the Toolkit.
Your feedback is welcome and should be sent to Disability Advocacy- FaHCSIA(disabilityadvocacy@fahcsia.gov.au)
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New quarterly performance and data report
The Quarterly Performance and Data Report (QPDR) replaces the previous NDAP Quarterly Report.
The 1 July to 30 September 2008 reporting period will be the first time all agencies will complete the revised report. NDAP-funded agencies will be able to provide feedback on each section of the report during this first reporting period.
The QPDR will provide valuable information to the Department and will be used to improve the program and assist the disability advocacy sector in delivering quality services to people with disability. The new report aims to increase the reliability of data collected and gain a more rounded insight into advocacy support provided by NDAP-funded agencies.
Disability Advocacy and Access Section
The Department's Disability and Carers Programs Branch includes a ’Disability Advocacy and Access' Section that oversees the changes to the NDAP and works with the Department's state and territory offices in the ongoing management of this program.
The Disability Advocacy and Access Section Manager can be contacted via:
- Post:
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,
Disability and Carers Programs Branch,
Tuggeranong Office Park, Box 7576
Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610
- Phone: (02) 6244 6932
- Fax: (02) 6244 8457
- Email: Disability Advocacy - FaHCSIA (disabilityadvocacy@fahcsia.gov.au).
Further information about who in FaHCSIA is working in the advocacy area can be found at the Who's Who of FaHCSIA webpage.