Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia Incorporated

Overview

The Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia Incorporated, commonly abbreviated as DACSSA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, independent information and support services across South Australia. This includes both regional and metropolitan areas, focusing on assisting individuals with disabilities, along with their families and carers.

Mission and Services

DACSSA's primary mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by offering comprehensive advocacy and support. They assist in navigating various challenges associated with disability, including accessing appropriate services and navigating complex systems like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Their services extend across multiple areas:

• NDIS and NDIS Appeals: Providing guidance and support for navigating NDIS processes and appeals.
• Education: Advocating for inclusive educational environments.
• Employment: Assisting in accessing employment opportunities and addressing workplace issues.
• Discrimination and Human Rights: Protecting individuals from discrimination and promoting human rights.
• Equal Opportunity: Ensuring equitable access to resources and services.
• Abuse: Supporting individuals who have experienced abuse.
• Housing and Homelessness: Advocating for appropriate housing solutions.
• Health and Mental Illness: Offering support in healthcare and mental health contexts.
• SACAT Orders: Providing assistance with South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal orders.
• Complaints about Disability Services: Facilitating the resolution of complaints related to disability services.

Advocacy Approach

DACSSA employs both individual and systemic advocacy approaches. Individual advocacy involves working directly with clients to address specific issues, providing support in meetings and hearings when needed. Systemic advocacy aims to identify broader challenges affecting multiple individuals and works to influence policy and practice changes that benefit the wider disability community.

Team Expertise

Many team members at DACSSA have lived experience of disability, bringing a deep understanding and passion for empowering the disability community. This lived experience informs their advocacy practice, enabling them to tailor support effectively to individuals' unique needs and promote their overall wellbeing.

Funding

DACSSA is funded by the Australian Federal Government, ensuring its services remain free and accessible to those who need them.

Organization Structure

As a not-for-profit organization, DACSSA is committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that its activities reflect the needs and priorities of the community it serves. It does not provide legal advice but can refer clients to appropriate legal services when necessary.

[1] https://dacssa.org.au [2] https://dacssa.org.au/dacssa-you/contact/ [3] https://afdo.org.au/disability-advocacy-and-complaints-service-of-south-australia-dacssa/ [4] https://advocacyfordisability.org.au/organisations.php [5] https://directory.wayahead.org.au/service/7790/