The Disability Trust puts our participants at the forefront of everything we do and a key part of that mission is our Wollongong Self Advocacy Group.
Participants meet regularly to discuss our programs and services, and they also listen to each other’s thoughts about living with disability and issues that may arise.
Wollongong Self Advocacy Group has been making a difference since forming in 1978, making it one of the longest-running groups of its kind in Australia.
One of the current members of the Self Advocacy Group, Rob, has been with The Disability Trust for more than 33 years.
The group meet once a month, usually at Headway in Wollongong although they also go on occasional outings together at various locations.
They engage with a variety of guest speakers, including health professionals, and The Disability Trust’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Tarryn Bracken addressed the group last month.
The group is all about advocating for the rights of people with disability – standing up for their rights and the rights of others.
Their aim is to be a voice in the community, not just having a get-together – they are all about improving and progressing.
Being in the group empowers the members to learn their rights and speak out to advocate for what they believe in.
They have also completed workshops as part of the group on areas such as individual financial skills like how to set up your own bank account.
Members have travelled to Geelong in recent years to speak at the VALID Having a Say Conference.
They currently have seven members but they are on the lookout for more people to join.
If you or someone you know has a disability and is receiving NDIS funds, they can register their interest in joining Wollongong Self Advocacy Group by contacting The Disability Trust on 1300 347 224.
