ACT Disability Aged & Carer Advocacy Service Limited

ACT Disability Aged & Carer Advocacy Service Limited (ADACAS) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy organisation based in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Established in 1991, ADACAS is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of people with disability, individuals experiencing mental ill-health, older people, and their carers. The organisation provides free and confidential individual advocacy support to these groups to ensure they can exercise their rights and live valued, dignified lives within the community[1][2][5].

History and Structure

Founded as a company limited by guarantee, ADACAS has been operating for over three decades, with its core mission centered on independent advocacy. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, whose members serve three-year terms. ADACAS is predominantly funded by government sources, including the ACT Government, New South Wales Government, and Commonwealth Government[5].

Services and Advocacy

ADACAS offers individual advocacy services primarily across the ACT, while also extending support to regional New South Wales areas such as the Capital Region, Murrumbidgee, Illawarra, and Shoalhaven local health districts. The organisation specializes in advocating for people with disabilities, those experiencing mental health issues, frail older people, and their carers. It also supports individuals seeking access to the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse[5].

As the ACT representative in the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), ADACAS plays a significant role in aged care advocacy. Additionally, ADACAS is recognized as a leader in Supported Decision Making (SDM), which assists people with reduced cognitive capacity to make their own decisions, enhancing autonomy and inclusion[5].

Mission and Values

ADACAS operates on the principles of respect, empowerment, and justice. It strives to vigorously advocate for some of the most marginalized populations in the community, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld. The organisation acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which it operates, reflecting a commitment to cultural respect and reconciliation[4].

Impact

By providing independent advocacy, ADACAS helps individuals overcome barriers to accessing services, support, and justice. This work contributes to greater social inclusion and the protection of human rights for vulnerable populations in the ACT and surrounding regions[1][4].

Note: This article reflects publicly available information about ACT Disability Aged & Carer Advocacy Service Limited as of April 2025.

[1] https://adacas.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/37c8b490-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/37c8b490-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/b687c29b-e55a-eb11-bb25-000d3acbaeea [4] https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/Sub20%20ADACAS%20Advocacy.pdf [5] https://adacas.org.au/job/board-director/