The aim of our work at Inclusion Australia is to ensure the voice of families is effectively heard, captured, and represented in Inclusion Australia's systemic advocacy efforts. We recognised that many people with an intellectual disability - including people with high and/or complex support needs - are quite removed from the community and the self-advocacy movement. By involving their families we can bridge this gap and amplify their voices and experiences, ensuring these are included in our work and heard by government. We balance this with the direct involvement of people with an intellectual disability in our work as well.

This presentation will showcase innovative ways to empower and engage families in advocating for individuals with an intellectual disability. By promoting collaboration between families and service providers, we aim to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities.

Plain Language Abstract

This presentation is about advocacy. Advocacy is a way of standing up for the rights of people. 

We are from Inclusion Australia.  

Some people with disability are involved in advocacy. Some people have very complex disabilities, it is hard for them to be directly involved in advocacy. 

Sometimes families can speak up for people with complex disabilities. 

We have been working with families. 

We have been working to make important changes.

We feel that people with complex disabilities can be better understood and included by including their families in big conversations about disability in Australia.