Our submission on the National Disability Advocacy Framework
July 12, 2022
Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) welcomes the opportunity to provide input on the draft National Disability Advocacy Framework (NDAF). DSA commends the Government on their recognition of the importance of advocacy in protecting the rights of people with disability.
The National Disability Advocacy Framework aligns with Down Syndrome Australia’s vision for a rights based and inclusive national advocacy system. A strong framework will allow the disability advocacy work plan to build on specific, measurable targets, actions, and outcomes.
We also acknowledge the extensive consultation which has been undertaken on the NDAF, including face-to-face forums. Our response focuses on advocacy issues as they relate to people with Down syndrome and their families.
DSA supports the draft NDAF 2022 – 2025, particularly the shared commitment between Commonwealth, state, and territory governments. The framework aligns with our vision of a disability advocacy system that is:
- Fair, equitable, inclusive, and well-resourced.
- Accessible to people from all disability types including intellectual and cognitive disability, including but not limited to inclusive communications.
- Has specialised advocacy services and supports for people with intellectual disability.
- Flexible to individual needs and situations including regional and remote communities.
- Considers intersectionality and diversity.
- Has specialist areas of advocacy for health, justice, NDIS, and other emerging priorities.
- Implemented by organisations led by people with disability.
- Reflects the social model of disability and a human rights-based approach.
Read our submission here.