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What is DAS? What we do Strategic Directions and Goals Current Issues Contact us

das \\ Disability Advocacy Service - Alice Springs, NT

Disability Advocacy Service (DAS) was establised in 1992. It was borne of the frustrations of many people with a disability in Alice Springs who felt unable to effectively communicate their opinion on issues that effected their quality of life and their view that concerns about issues of rights and access were trivialised by the community and Governments.

"They needed a voice that would be heard"

DIGAS made representations to Federal and Territory Governments for funding to establish an advocacy service that would meet the needs of people with a disability. The successful result of these representations was secured funding and DAS commenced service in 1992.

Since 1992 the organisation has engaged primarily in individual advocacy and has represented approximately 100 consumers per year.

In July 2004 DAS established a new Strategic Direction in conjunction with stakeholders consumers and members. The outcomes of this process were as follows:

• Our Vision: All people enjoying their rights regardless of their abilities and or disabilities
• Our Mission: We assist people with disabilities in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek obtain their rights through our advocacy and promotional services.
• Our Principles and Values: In all that we do we will uphold the Disability Service Standards

We will promote and practice:

• Equity
• Client privacy, dignity and confidentiality
• Fair and non discriminatory practices
• Organisational integrity and transparency
• Respect for people’s diverse opinions and needs
• Individuals, communities, government and non-government organisations working together.

Our practices will:

• Assist disabled people advocate for their own rights
• Work for fair and non discriminatory legislation, policy, work and service delivery practices
• Be culturally appropriate

Our Community

1. Our primary focus community is: People coming within the definition of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 residing in Amoonguna, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
2. Our secondary focus community includes: Organisations providing services and facilities to people with a disability.

Our Strategic Partners

• Our members
• Selected social justice / human rights organisations

Our Stakeholders

• People with disabilities experiencing unfair treatment
• Our focus communities
• Government and non government organisations
• Other disability organisations

Our Funders

• Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments

das \\ Newsletter