Systemic Advocacy - RIA acts upon issues identified at a local, state and national level, on issues that impact on more than 1 person, which involves working and influencing toward long-term social changes.
Systems advocacy relates to systems, services, changes to legislation, national policies and practices that support the rights and interests of people with disability, including those with impaired decision-making capacity.
Individual Advocacy - RIA provides free independent advocacy services and assistance for people with a disability or mental illness.
Concept of Consent:
RIA respects the autonomy and rights of people with disability to make informed decisions, wherever possible, by ensuring ethical and person-centred services are upheld.
As a consent-only service, RIA always asks if the person being referred (if a 3rd party) is willing or has approved of the referral; and is willing to engage with RIA without suspicion of coercion, threats or abuse of authority by services, family, carers or guardians.
Informed consent is a process that relates to privacy, data sharing consent; engaging and participating in disability advocacy. RIA always ensures people with disability are fully informed about their rights including what their personal information is being used for, how it is recorded, how long consent or personal information is stored and how to withdraw consent.
Who is independent Advocacy for?
Advocacy support is for people with disability who are facing complex challenges. If you feel that you are unable to act, speak or write about a difficult situation on your own, or don’t have the support network to help you do so, then disability advocacy might be an option. Family members or carers acting on behalf of people with disability may also be able to seek disability advocacy support, as long as there is no conflict of interest
What is an NDIS Internal Review or External Appeal?
An NDIS internal review also known as an s100 Plan Variation or Plan reassessment - can occur either due to a scheduled review/plan reassessment OR due to an NDIS' participant's change of circumstances. The end goal is to be issued with small changes to an existing Plan, not requiring a new NDIS plan; this is known as a Plan variation
External Appeal is external to the NDIS and conducted by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), An external appeal is an independent, meritorious review of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws. The AAT is a formal, legal process with rules, responsibilities and obligations.
What is a disability Advocate? Disability advocacy for individuals (dss.gov.au)
A disability advocate can support you in a range of ways including;
- to help you understand what your rights are and how to assert them
- to help you access services and support to improve your ability and confidence in all areas of life
by acting on your behalf to solve issues before they become a crisis or harm you further
An advocate is in your corner. They are your champion. They are there to support you and speak on your behalf when you don’t feel confident to do so. They can also provide support and information so you feel more confident advocating for yourself.