Disability advocacy
Advocacy services provide information and support to people with disability, their families and carers.
A disability advocate can help you:
- understand your rights
- assert your rights
- access services and support
- act on your own behalf to solve issues.
Advocacy providers
In the Territory, you can get advocacy and support from the following organisations.
Integrated disAbility Action Inc (IdA)
IdA represents people with disability in the Northern Territory (NT). They offer both individual and systemic disability advocacy services.
For more information, go to the IdA website.
Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS)
Provides a disability rights service in the NT, they help people with disability and their representatives understand and use their rights.
For more information, go to the DCLS website.
Disability Advocacy Service Inc (DAS)
Offers confidential advocacy services in Central Australia, they support people with disability and their families to exercise their rights according to disability advocacy standards.
For more information, go to the DAS website.
Carers NT
They support unpaid carers in the NT, they offer advocacy, information, support, counselling and education.
For more information, go to the Carers NT website.
Specialised services and information
Access specialised services in the NT through the following organisations.
Autism NT
Supports autistic people, their families, and the community in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
For more information, go to the Autism NT website.
Inclusion NT
Offers workshops and inclusion services, like easy-read translations, for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
For more information, go to the Inclusion NT website.
NPY Women’s Council (Central Australia)
Advocates for clients and carers by working with government and service providers to address their needs.
For more information, go to the NPY Women's Council website.
Other support resources
Many organisations provide support for people with disabilities through workshops, events and other initiatives.
Hidden Disabilities
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers, it allows people to indicate they may need extra help, understanding or time.
For more information, go to the Hidden Disabilities website.
Multicultural Council of the NT - Speak My Language Podcast
The podcast offers guidance for parents on finding the right school and discovering available support.
For more information, go to the Multicultural Council of the NT website.
Patterson Street Hub (Tennant Creek)
A safe and inclusive space that encourages connection and creativity through events, courses, discussions and workshops.
For more information, go to the Patterson Street Hub website.
National Disability Advocacy
Learn about the Australian Government's National Disability Advocacy framework and program.
The Framework
The National Disability Advocacy Framework 2023-2025 outlines how governments will work together to make advocacy services more consistent and accessible for people with disabilities across Australia.
To read the framework, go to the Australian Government, Department of Social Services website.
The Program
The National Disability Advocacy Program provides funding to organisations that support people with disabilities who face complex challenges. This program also helps with issues like accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
To read the program, go to the Australian Government, Department of Social Services website.