Individual Advocacy
Individual advocacy is when an advocate supports an individual person or family to stand up for their rights and needs.
DDWA have developed an Easy Read brochure that can help you explain what advocacy is to your family member with intellectual disability.
Are you having trouble getting the supports and services you need?
- Do you feel you need some support in having your voice heard?
- We believe in your rights and the importance of having the opportunity to communicate your needs to others.
We want to make sure others really listen and respond to your concerns.
About DDWA Individual Advocacy
Whilst we work in many areas, DDWA have particular expertise in education, employment, recreation, guardianship, health, disability services (including NDIS) and communication disability (complex communication needs).
Who we support
Our specialist advocacy service supports people:
- People with intellectual disability
- People with developmental disability
- People with autism or other neurodivergence
- People with communication disability (complex communication needs) who have little or no speech
- and their families and supporters.
Do you need your voice heard at school, work, hospitals, court, State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)...?
Some elements of our advocacy service include (but are not limited to) assisting with:
- Parents negotiating the school journey for their child with disability
- Information about State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) in respect to guardianship matters and administration
- Navigating disability services
Specialist Education Advocacy
DDWA is very pleased to advise that our Specialist Education Advocacy service is available for WA families of children with developmental and intellectual disability, with support from the WA Department of Education.
NOTE: DDWA provides a Specialist Education Advocacy Service that is funded temporarily through to 30th June 2026.
How we work
Our team bring skills and knowledge together to work on a problem that you and/or your family are trying to resolve.
We take time to fully understand the problem, so that we really know how you think and feel about what is happening.
We work with you and/or your family to take action for yourself.
You will have an active advocate listening to you from the first point of call - we are responsive and start working with you right away.
- No intake system and no waitlist
You will find us accessible.
You can reach us by any means, including:
- Email: ddwa@ddwa.org.au or Leticia.Grant@ddwa.org.au
- In-person visit: Come to see us at 2 Delhi Street, West Perth, WA (or, in some cases, we may be able to come to you)
- Phone: (08) 9420-7203
- Website: Contact Us
- Through a third-party: maybe you have a friend or supporter who would like to contact us on your behalf
- Sending us a DM on Facebook or Instagram
You do not need any formal referral.
You will not be judged.
- All calls and concerns are worthy of being heard
We'll back you up.
Cost
This is a free service.
Our Advocacy team
Maxine Drake - experienced health and education specialist advocate with a strong background in protecting people's human rights.
Leticia Grant - disability advocate with extensive alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) partner experience.
More information
Phone (08) 9420 7203
Email leticia.grant@ddwa.org.au
Click the link below to download the Easy Read booklet: Getting Help from an Advocate.
https://ddwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Getting-help-from-an-advocate-2023.pdf
