On World Down Syndrome Day, the NSW Labor Government has announced $28 million in funding to ensure ongoing support and advocacy for people with disability.
Funding for the Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) will continue for a further 2 years to ensure approximately 1.4 million people with disability can access NSW Government funded services.
The DAFP provides funding to support people with disability navigate local services on a 1-to-1 basis, to fund organisations working towards long-term social change, and to fund policy advocacy groups run by, or on behalf of, people with disability.
The DAFP commenced in 2022 following a recommendation from the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission’s Review into Disability Advocacy Funding in NSW.
The program focuses on all people with disability in NSW who need support to access NSW Government funded services, regardless of whether they are participants of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Scheme.
In addition, the DAFP also provides 1-off funding grants for special projects and sector development.
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:
“Almost 1 in 5 people in NSW lives with a disability but only a small proportion of them are supported under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Scheme.
“The DAFP provides crucial support and representation for all people with disability to ensure they can access the services they need to reach their full potential.
“The extension of the DAFP will ensure ongoing support for the sector to drive better outcomes for people with disability through effective and inclusive advocacy.”
CEO of Down Syndrome NSW, Emily Caska said:
“We warmly welcome this much needed investment in advocacy for a further 2-year period, with advocacy organisations forming such an essential part of the ecosystem of trusted and independent supports for people with disability.
“The DAFP to date has had a significant impact on our community, ensuring that people with disability, their parents and siblings are informed, confident and connected.
“This in turn contributes greatly to our overarching aim of ensuring that people with disability are valued and active citizens within their thriving, vibrant and diverse communities across NSW.”
