Disability advocates provide individual advocacy, guidance and support to people with a disability, their carers and families. They can assist by:
- Supporting you with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) process – including testing eligibility, completion of forms, changes to circumstance, appeals and liaising with your NDIS Planner
- Attending meetings, making calls, writing letters and completing forms for you in any area
- Liaising with Centrelink,supporting applications for payments, helping with appeals
- Making and supporting your applications for orders at the State Administrative Tribunal
- Providing information about and referrals to community organisations/supports
- Applying for grants to access equipment
Midlas Disability Advocates can also assist when you disagree with a decision that Centrelink, State Administative Tribunal or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has made. This decision can relate to your application or funding.
If you have gone through an Internal Review with NDIA and still believe the decision was not fair, you can appeal that decision. It is the role of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to make the decision about the things you want reviewed. They are independent and separate from the NDIA. Assistance from Midlas can include:
- Helping you fill out the form to apply for an appeal of your NDIA decision
- Referral to Legal Aid assistance if eligible
- Support during meetings to ensure that your voice is heard
What to bring to your appointment
Your NDIS Plan and any correspondence relating to NDIS (if applicable)
Any correspondence from Centrelink (if applicable)
Guardianship/administration orders
Any other information or documentation related to your issue
Case Studies
Midlas Publications
Youth With Disability Forum Report 2017
Useful Forms
Disability Support Pension Claim
Useful Links
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Disability Services Commission
Health and Disability Service Complaints Office
National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)
NDAP Service Providers Search
Search for advocacy outside Midlas service area
Appeals through Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Complaints Resolution and Referral Service
For users of Australian Government Disability Employment Services; Australian Disability Enterprises; and/or Disability Advocacy Services
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
No Silly Questions Booklet
A practical guide for families living with a child with chronic illness, disability, mental illness or a life threatening condition
