If you experience issues or concerns relating to an organisation or business that is working with your child and you are having trouble advocating on behalf of your child, you can contact an advocacy agency who will support you to reach an outcome.
An advocate is someone who is ‘on your team’, they will stand by you and work towards the best outcome for your child and your family.
An advocate can attend meetings with you, make phone calls on your behalf and assist you to write emails, letters and documents. They can help you to liaise with Centrelink, education providers and others.
Advocates will also provide assistance with your child’s NDIS process and, where necessary, assist with appeal applications to either Centrelink or the NDIS.
Advocacy organisations also lobby for positive changes in the community.
There are a number of disability specialist advocacy organisations in Western Australia, some of which hold training and workshops to help parents and carers self-advocate more effectively.
Useful Contacts
- People with Disabilities WA
- MIDLAS
- Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre
- Explorability
- Individual Disability Advocacy Sussex Street Community Law Service
- Citizen Advocacy Perth West
For more information, contact one of our friendly Family Support Officers, all of whom have personal experience of raising a child with additional needs.
