DISABILITY Advocacy can help anyone in need and ensure they are treated with fairness.
Disability Advocacy NSW supports people with disability to get a fair go and be fully included in the community.
Broken Hill’s disability advocate Caryn Ferguson said there is a number of eligibility criteria that needs to be met but most people are able to access the service.
“Disability is a loose term, it is more about having a health ailment,” she said.
“That could be in the aged care space, palliative care space, it could be parents/carers of a disabled person.
“There is no age bracket.
“The second criteria is that there needs to be an element of an unfairness – unfair treatment.
“A client could have literacy issues and are trying to access government services. We help with the navigation of that system.”
Ms Ferguson said they also help with the NDIS tribunals and internal reviews.
She said the advocacy service has been in the city for almost a decade.
“We’ve gone through a lot of changes,” she said.
Ms Ferguson also said it is a free service and people can speak to an intake advocate via 02 6332 2100 or emailing western@da.org.au.
They will be assessed and then allocated to Ms Ferguson.
“It’s about navigating the system.”
She said they have also run programs to help address holes in the system.
“There are gaps in every system and we get feedback to address them, then that is passed on,” Ms Ferguson added.
She also offers advocacy from Broken Hill to Cobar across to Hay and Tibooburra.
Ms Ferguson is encouraging people to come and chat with her at the Outback Disability Expo.
“Come and see what is available, especially for carers – the majority of carers are already advocates,” she said.
“Our motto is ‘Speaking up for fairness’ and it’s in fighting that unfairness that you will find me.
“People might not be aware they are being treated unfairly.
“We want to work with you to support you to make complaints.
“We want to support you to be an advocate for yourself.”
Ms Ferguson said the disability expo will be a good chance for services to network with each other.
“There will be services coming from Dubbo that can help do vehicle modifications and assisted equipment,” she said.
“I really happy with City council for organising this.”
