NSW Disability Advocacy Network (NDAN)

About NDAN

Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Statement of Operational Values
Statement of Purposes

 

Vision Statement

The vision of NSW Disability Advocacy Network is to be an active participant in the creation of a fully inclusive society in which people who have a disability are included as equally valued and contributing citizens.

Return to top

Mission Statement

NSW Disability Advocacy Network is a coalition of independent, community based organisations that advocate with and for people with any disability. 

NSW Disability Advocacy Network will promote and defend the human rights and valued status of people with disabilities by supporting and promoting advocacy groups, actions and initiatives.

Return to top

Statement of Operational Values

NSW Disability Advocacy Network is committed to and will operate according to the following values:

• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that control by people with disabilities is central to the success of the advocacy sector.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that a diversity of approaches to advocacy is necessary to promote and protect people with disabilities rights.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that responding to the diversity of needs, interests and aspirations of people with disabilities is a fundamental component of providing effective advocacy.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises and respects the autonomy of individual member organisations.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that its voice is greatest when it is united.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises the value of member organisations’ experience and knowledge of the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that the role of advocacy is to promote and protect the rights and interests of people with disabilities and not those of other parties.
• NSW Disability Advocacy Network recognises that identifying and minimizing conflict of interest is fundamental to the successful provision of advocacy service.

Return to top

Statement of Purposes

NSW Disability Advocacy Network's aim is to maintain an effective coalition through:

NETWORKING
NSW Disability Advocacy Network will:
Refer to member organisations and people with disabilities for direction through regular meetings and forums.

1. Provide a forum to share information and debate advocacy issues. Develop reliable communication channels.
2. Give information to members and associate organisations.
3. Recognise and support the needs of rural and regional members. Support national and international advocacy efforts.
4. Form alliances with other organisations to work on human rights and social justice issues.

EDUCATION
NSW Disability Advocacy Network will:

1. Do research as needed.
2. Help member organisations raise community awareness of disability issues including human rights and inclusive communities.
3. Provide information about advocacy to the community.

PROMOTING AND DEFENDING ADVOCACY
NSW Disability Advocacy Network will:

1. Safeguard the independence of advocacy
2. Make and promote NSW Disability Advocacy Network policies about advocacy to governments and decision makers.
3. Lobby and advise governments and decision makers. .
4. Advocate for the maintenance and increase of advocacy funding.
5. Seek project funding for advocacy development activities including training, professional and organisational development.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy.
7. Promote effective advocacy practices.
8. Encourage diversity of advocacy and advocacy responses.
9. Identify and respond to gaps in advocacy efforts.

Return to top

References to
"Advocacy means active promotion, support and defense of the rights, interests, needs, status and representation of people with disabilities. This work is intended to support people in asserting their rights and interests, or asserts their rights and interests with them. Individual advocacy is with an individual with a disability, or with a group of individuals with a disability.

Systemic advocacy is oriented towards changing entire systems beyond an identifiable single client or single client group."

 

Return to top

page updated: 17 June 2011