‘Why Self Advocacy Matters’ forum
and
Q&A: ‘Self Advocacy…...on the Map?’
Are you committed to ensuring sure the voices of people with a disability are central to reforms associated with the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other service developments and changes throughout Victoria? If so, we hope you can join
us at the exciting morning ‘Why Self Advocacy Matters’ forum and afternoon Q&A entitled ‘Self Advocacy.….on the Map?’
The ‘Why Self Advocacy Matters’ forum and Q&A, hosted by the Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU),
Raising Our Voices and other Victorian self advocacy groups, will provide you with an opportunity to:
 hear about the link between self advocacy, the NDIS and the ILC policy framework,
 talk with self advocates and self advocacy supporters about the different models of group self
advocacy and the work they are undertaking to strengthen the voice of people with a disability.
The forum will focus on the way self advocacy works to empower people, to change and strengthen
disability support and mainstream systems and to build more inclusive communities and the many
ways people can support self advocacy groups.
With a welcome by the City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, the forum will be facilitated by Tricia Malowney, a consultant, public
speaker, mentor and coach. There will be presentations from Liz Cairns, General Manager Operations Branch NDIA and Susan Smith,
Coordinator, SARU, followed by small round table discussions with representatives of Victorian self advocacy groups where you can have
a conversation about group self advocacy.
The Q&A: ‘Self Advocacy……on the Map?’ will be facilitated by Peter Waters and includes panel members Liz Cairns, Peta Ferguson,
Keran Howe, Tricia Malowney, Sue Smith and Chris Varney. The Q&A will look at whether group self advocacy is ‘on the map’ given the
important changes in disability that are, and will be occurring right across Australia. For more information about the forum and Q&A see
attached.
When:
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Where:
Time:
RSVP:
Drill Hall, MultiCultural Hub
49-53 Victoria Street Melbourne (over from the Queen Victoria Market)
9.30 am (registrations) until 12.30 (lunch provided) then (Q&A) 1.30 until 3.30 pm
Dean Dadson via email at dean.saru@gmail.com
by Thursday, 19 November 2015
Please advise of any access, support or dietary requirements.
SARU acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government
What are Self Advocacy Groups?
Self advocacy groups are run by people with a disability who have joined together to support each other and have their voices heard.
Self advocacy groups work to make sure they have the same rights, choices, and opportunities as anyone else.
Self advocacy groups are about people with a disability:








speaking up for their rights and helping others do the same
supporting each other to say what they think and what they need
planning and working together for change
creating change
learning and developing skills
sharing information and ideas
undertaking community education and increasing
community awareness
meeting new people and making friends
Why is self advocacy so important?
‘Self advocacy contributes to the knowledge, experience and wisdom that individuals, communities, organisations and government must
have in order to respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of people with a disability.
Self advocacy strengthens the voices and skills of people with a disability to participate in their communities including all matters pertaining
to learning, planning, advocacy, policymaking and governing.
To promote this participation, individuals, communities, government, generic and specialist service providers are encouraged to support the important
and continually growing role that self advocacy groups play in developing leadership and increasing people’s skills, confidence, influence, and
inclusion.’1
Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU)
Established in 2008, the SARU is funded by the Victorian Government through the Office for Disability. The role of the SARU is to resource and
support Victorian self advocacy groups for people with an acquired brain injury, people with an intellectual disability and people with complex
communication support needs, such as people who are deafblind.
1
Adapted from position statement develop by The ARC, Washington Nov 2008, (www.thearc.org)