Can I bring my child to your events?
We ask families, where possible, to make other arrangements for children so they can be fully present and access the information at the workshop. Please contact us regarding special circumstances. Adults with disability who are able to participate in the workshop content are most welcome to register.
What kind of support is available for attendees with a disability at your events?
We strive to make our events as inclusive as possible. This includes hosting events at accessible venues, providing assistive listening devices, sharing parking maps, and organising AUSLAN interpreters upon request. When you complete a registration form, we will ask you to inform us of any specific accommodations so you can get the most out of your experience.
What is your cancellation policy if I need to change or cancel my event booking?
You may find this information in our event cancellation and refund policy.
How do I subscribe to your newsletter?
You can subscribe to our newsletter by entering your name and email address in the subscription box at the bottom of the homepage or by selecting the "Subscribe" option during the account registration process.
What payment methods do you accept for event registrations?
We use Humanitix as our events platform, which accepts payments via credit card and PayPal. This ensures a secure and convenient checkout process for all participants.
How do I download and request resources from the Inclusion Library?
To download resources, simply search the Inclusion Library, select the item you want, and click the download button if it's available. For hard copy resources, complete the request form on the Inclusion Collection website. Be sure to include your mailing address for physical items. If you have any issues, feel free to email us at communications@family-advocacy.com for assistance.
How do I contact customer support?
You can reach us by calling our free-call number at 1800 620 588 between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday, to speak with one of our Advocacy and Leadership Development Coordinators. Alternatively, you can fill out a form on our Contact Us page.
Where can I find more information about your organisation’s vision and values?
You can find more information about our organisation’s vision and values by browsing the main menu on the homepage then clicking on the Who We Are page.
How can I unsubscribe from your mailing list?
If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you can follow the unsubscribe link included in each email or contact us directly at communications@family-advocacy.com for assistance.
What measures do you take to comply with privacy laws?
We adhere to the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill 2000, the National Privacy Principles, and the 12 Information Protection Principles (IPPs) outlined in the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act) to ensure our privacy practices comply with relevant laws and regulations.
What personal information do you collect, how is it used, and how do you ensure its security?
We collect personal information that you provide voluntarily, such as your name, contact details, and other relevant information when you sign up for newsletters, submit forms, or request resources from our website. This information is used to provide the services or information you request, improve our website and services, and communicate updates or promotions if you have opted in. We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. However, no internet transmission is entirely secure, so please exercise caution when sharing information.
How can I request to borrow a resource from the Inclusion Collection?
You can request resources directly through our website. Simply navigate to the Inclusion Collection section, select the desired resource, and follow the prompts. For hard copy items, you will need to complete the request form which asks for your details and a mailing address. Alternatively, you can contact us at communications@family-advocacy.com if you prefer assistance.
How can I suggest new resources or provide feedback on the inclusion collection?
You may suggest new resources by filling out the recommendation form on the Inclusion Collection page. If you have feedback or other suggestions, please use the feedback form available on our Contact Us page. We value your input and appreciate your help in improving our collection!
What is photo consent, and how will my photos and videos be used?
Photo consent is your agreement to allow us to take and use photographs or videos of you for promotional purposes. Your photos and videos may be used in materials such as social media posts, newsletters, and on our website. You are not required to give consent, and if you decline, we will not use any photos or videos featuring you for promotional purposes. If you wish to withdraw consent, you may contact us at communications@family-advocacy.com, and we will make reasonable efforts to remove your images from future materials. We also make an effort to contact you before each use, as we understand that circumstances may change. If you see your photo being used without consent, please inform us immediately at communications@family-advocacy.com.
For a copy of our photo and media consent, please click here.
For a copy of our photo and media consent, please click here.
Is Family Advocacy and Resourcing Inclusive Communities the same organisation?
Resourcing Inclusive Communities is an initiative of Family Advocacy. It provides information and resources to help people with disability live meaningful lives as valued members of their communities. To find out more, please visit https://www.ric.org.au.
Do you also have other websites?
Yes, we have the following websites (they are also listed on our homepage):
Conversations for Collaboration: A collaborative engagement framework co-designed and co-authored by NSW educators and parents of students with disability, who have experienced quality student-centred collaborations. The framework aims to assist families, teachers, and ultimately students. It enriches conversations, enables the sharing of information and resources, reveals perspectives, and fosters engagement for better outcomes for all.
Access Symposium: A Family Advocacy platform, Access Symposium fosters discourse and research and presents the perspectives of all stakeholders committed to real and meaningful progress towards genuinely inclusive schools in Australia.
Resourcing Inclusive Communities: An initiative of Family Advocacy, Resourcing Inclusive Communities provides information and resources to help people with disability live meaningful lives as valued members of their communities.
Conversations for Collaboration: A collaborative engagement framework co-designed and co-authored by NSW educators and parents of students with disability, who have experienced quality student-centred collaborations. The framework aims to assist families, teachers, and ultimately students. It enriches conversations, enables the sharing of information and resources, reveals perspectives, and fosters engagement for better outcomes for all.
Access Symposium: A Family Advocacy platform, Access Symposium fosters discourse and research and presents the perspectives of all stakeholders committed to real and meaningful progress towards genuinely inclusive schools in Australia.
Resourcing Inclusive Communities: An initiative of Family Advocacy, Resourcing Inclusive Communities provides information and resources to help people with disability live meaningful lives as valued members of their communities.
Are your events free to families and people with disability?
We mainly offer our workshops and webinars for free to people with disability and families. However, in some circumstances - such as when we bring in an expert guest speaker, either within Australia or internationally, or for our larger conferences - there may be a fee.
What disability/ies do you provide advocacy support for?
Family Advocacy, is an independent, impartial advocacy organisation that supports families across New South Wales to promote and defend the rights and interests of people with developmental disabilities. Developmental disability refers to a disability that occurs during the developmental period of a person’s life (from conception to adulthood) and includes intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and any combination of physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities.
Where are you located?
Our office is located at Suite 704/88-90 George St, Hornsby NSW 2077.
While we are based in Hornsby, our work primarily extends across New South Wales.
While we are based in Hornsby, our work primarily extends across New South Wales.
Do you attend meetings/AAT with people ie individual advocacy?
No, we do not attend meetings with you, we provide you with individual advocacy and advice for you to be effective in your advocacy. If necessary we can refer you to other organisations and work alongside them to meet your needs.
Do you have a waitlist for advocacy support?
No, we don’t. As we don’t case manage or conduct advocacy on your behalf, we are able to respond to enquiries within a couple of days, providing you with the information and advice needed to continue advocating for your family member with a disability.
What do you help people with?
We help people with developmental disabilities and their families by advocating for their rights, promoting inclusion, and ensuring access to meaningful opportunities. Our support focuses on empowering families to navigate the systems that impact their loved ones, advocating for inclusive policies and practices, and providing resources and information to help people with disabilities live fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities.
Family Advocacy undertakes a range of work with families, including:
Family Advocacy undertakes a range of work with families, including:
- Building their capacity to advocate for their family member with a disability and be leaders on rights and inclusion for people with disabilities in their communities;
- Making representations to governments regarding inclusive legislation, policy, funding, monitoring, and practice;
- Providing advocacy and capacity-building information, support, and advice.
Do you do legal advocacy?
No, we are not legal advocates; we conduct social advocacy. You can reach out to Legal Aid NSW for support: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ or the Australian Centre for Disability Law (operating only in NSW): https://disabilitylaw.org.au/services/.
Can we zoom for a meeting?
Yes, you can. This is a great way to discuss the individual's needs with more than one person supporting them. We can arrange this after an initial phone call or email to set up a convenient time and date, along with a specific link.
How long have you been around?
Family Advocacy was started by parents in NSW back in 1991. Over 30 years later, we are still governed by families of someone with a disability.
Who funds you? Are you independent?
Yes, we are an independent and impartial disability advocacy organisation, funded by both the Federal and State Governments to provide free advocacy and advice to families.