Links Edited on 17 March 2009
Here are some links to useful websites about disability issues in Victoria and nationwide.
www.advocacyhouse.org
Action For Community Living (ACL) is a federally funded, statewide organisation advocating empowerment, independence and life in the community for people with disabilities. Its work is directed by people with disabilities. It helps people access the services and supports they need for a quality life in the community. ACL works on systemic issues that are of common concern.
www.disabilityhotline.org
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline is an Australia-wide telephone hotline for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disabilities using government funded services. Allegations are referred to the appropriate authority for investigation.
Anyone can call the Hotline to report cases of abuse or neglect or to find out more about the service. Cases of abuse and neglect can include physical, sexual, psychological, legal and civil abuse, restraint and restrictive practices, or financial abuse. It can also include the withholding of care and support which exposes an individual to harm.
www.disability.vic.gov.au
Disability Online provides a comprehensive Victorian Service directory, current news and events directories, articles about disability, health issues and more. Disability Online aims to be very responsive to the needs and requirements of our audience. It complies with World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative AAA guidelines, making it very accessible for all people.
www.hreoc.gov.au
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission investigates alleged infringements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission administers three pieces of legislation. They are The Equal Opportunity Act 1995, The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006. The Commission helps resolve disputes, provides education and conducts research . It is not a tribunal or court, but helps people resolve complaints by mutual agreement.
www.infoxchange.net.au
InfoXchange Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that works for social justice and social equality by empowering people through access to technology. InfoXchange Australia works to provide Information Communication Technology (ICT) to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and communities, and the community sector organisations that, through service delivery or advocacy, support them.
www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au
The Office of the Public Advocate aims to promote the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, and to strengthen their position in society. OPA can investigate problems and, if necessary, use special authority to make enquiries on behalf of people with disabilities where there are fears for their safety or concerns about their interests.
www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/Services/Community-Visitors
Community Visitors are trained volunteers who visit a range of disability residential services and mental health facilities to identify, monitor and resolve issues. Community Visitors play a key role in protecting the rights and interests of people with a disability. They report on whether the service they visit meets community expectations and agreed standards.
www.valid.org.au
VALID (The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability Inc.) is a disability advocacy organisation committed to the vision of an Australian nation in which people with disability are empowered to exercise their rights - as human beings and as citizens - in accordance with the United Nations Declarations on Human Rights and the Rights of Disabled Persons.
www.vcat.vic.gov.au
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal deals with discrimination and guardianship and administration.
www.visionaustralia.org.au
Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. Its aim is that people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose. It does this by developing practical solutions to everyday challenges to create exciting lifetime possibilities by providing comprehensive training and easy access to the world's information.
www.vcoss.org.au
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is the peak organisation of the non-government social and community services sector. VCOSS raises awareness of the existence, causes and effects of poverty and inequality, and contributes to initiatives seeking to create a more just society.
www.vicdeaf.com.au
The Victorian Deaf Society (Vicdeaf), is a non-profit organisation. It was established in 1884 and is the primary source of reference, referral, advice and support for deaf adults in Victoria. Vicdeaf works collaboratively with a variety of mental health, legal and employment providers, welfare agencies and government departments.
www.villamanta.org.au
Villamanta is a free statewide legal service that works on disability related legal issues.
Villamanta is committed to providing the best possible service and to making sure that Victorian people, who have a disability, know about the law, and use the law, to get their rights.
