Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service

Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service An independent not for profit advocacy organisation for people with disability, older people and carers.

ADACAS provides independent individual advocacy to people with disability, frail older people and their carers in the ACT and region.

ADACAS is proud to continue partnering with Meridian ACT to provide free advocacy and information services. Together, AD...
10/12/2025

ADACAS is proud to continue partnering with Meridian ACT to provide free advocacy and information services. Together, ADACAS and Meridian create a powerful blend of advocacy and health support. Our joint clinics and shared activities mean that community members who come to us with questions about their aged care services to housing and mental health care rights, concerns about the NDIS or accessing services can also connect with Meridian’s wellbeing programs. Similarly, people who access Meridian’s services can be linked with ADACAS advocates when they need independent support to navigate complex systems or resolve issues.

Read more about our partnership with Meridian on the blog: https://adacas.org.au/working-together-adacas-and-meridian-supporting-canberra-communities/

The next clinic will be on 18 December , 9.30 – 11.30am at the Meridian Pride Hub.
(The clinic is held on the third Thursday of each month.)
This is now an appointment-based service.
Appointments can be made by you, your case worker, or a Meridian/ADACAS staff member, and you’re welcome to have someone attend with you if you prefer.
To book, call ADACAS or Meridian, or email:
adacas@adacas.org.au | contact@meridianact.org.au
We’re here to support you.








Our team gathered for International Day of People with Disability - Australia to share breakfast and watch stories from ...
07/12/2025

Our team gathered for International Day of People with Disability - Australia to share breakfast and watch stories from people with disability, whose voices shape how we understand inclusion, including First Nations leaders, LGBTQIA+ advocates and people experiencing mental ill health. Each person spoke about their lived experience of what strengthens them, what community means, and what belonging looks like in practice.

When we reflect on these stories and their honest, powerful first-hand insights, we acknowledge that people are not defined by their support needs but by who they are and how they choose to live. This sits at the heart of what we do. Our work is never just about solving a problem, it’s about supporting self-determination and a fundamental recognition of human worth.








ADACAS provides individual advocacy for students with disability in NSW public schools across the Southern NSW Local Hea...
07/12/2025

ADACAS provides individual advocacy for students with disability in NSW public schools across the Southern NSW Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program. This work sits alongside our broader disability advocacy to help create a more equitable and supportive approach to the additional educational needs of students with disability.

Our advocates are equipped to support students and their families to raise concerns and navigate issues related to school access, participation and support. This can include helping families to understand what adjustments may be available, preparing for conversations with teachers and making sure communication between school and home is clear and respectful. A major part of the role is ensuring that each student’s voice is heard, considered and respected in the decisions that shape their learning.

Our advocacy is independent and supports families to access and understand information that will help them make informed decisions to best support their student. We do not make decisions for schools or families, and we do not provide legal advice or case management, instead we focus on what the student needs so they can participate and learn.

This type of individual advocacy often strengthens collaboration between families and schools to explore reasonable adjustments like personalised learning plans, assistive technology or flexible learning environments. Our advocates help keep conversations grounded in the student’s abilities and goals so planning feels constructive rather than adversarial, allowing students to unlock their potential academically, socially and emotionally.

We are available to help you navigate the NSW education system for your student with disability. Read more about our work with students in NSW public schools:
https://adacas.org.au/education-advocacy-in-action/









One of the strongest messages shared during our International Day of People with Disability - Australia reflections came...
05/12/2025

One of the strongest messages shared during our International Day of People with Disability - Australia reflections came from First Nations advocates and researchers, including Dr Scott Avery, with his extensive experience in conducting community-based research and policy in Indigenous and disability organisations, and the First Peoples Disability Network, the national voice of and for First Nations people with disability, their families and communities. Their work shows how inclusion looks different when it grows from culture, Country and community.

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there is no direct word for disability. The focus is instead on connection to community life, identity and belonging with full participation.

Stories shared through videos viewed together our ADACAS IDPwD event highlighted how cultural practices support wellbeing in ways that extend beyond western clinical models. Music and art were described as grounding, healing and reconnecting people to a sense of who they are. One Aboriginal man living with disability captured this through his simple truth: “The didgeridoo brings me back to me.”

We also heard about the need for programs designed by First Nations people and grounded in cultural knowledge. These approaches recognise strengths such as cultural identity, shared learning, empathy, compassion and the power of personal experience to drive systemic change.

Learning from First Nations communities continues to shape how our advocates show up in our work. We believe that cultural safety is essential to rights-based advocacy. It means listening first to create space for people to define their own strengths and support healing in ways that make sense to each person and their community.









NSW Public Schools play face competing demands and limited resources for the diverse set of needs required by students w...
05/12/2025

NSW Public Schools play face competing demands and limited resources for the diverse set of needs required by students with disability. To help unravel the complexity, ADACAS can provide individual advocacy through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program to help teachers and families work together to achieve the best outcomes.

We work across Southern NSW Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Local Health Districts and our involvement can help by supporting clear and consistent communication and a shared understanding of what supports are reasonable and achievable in a school setting. We ensure each student’s voice is heard, considered and respected in the decisions that shape their learning.

ADACAS advocacy is independent and does not direct schools or families on what decisions to make, instead we help steer towards clarity, realistic expectations and aligning with the student’s abilities, goals and access needs. We help contribute to a more efficient process for schools when navigating adjustments for the student, NSW Department of Education requirements and assisting families to understand the processes schools use to identify needs.

We can also work with families to access external services and can share communication with the school, if a student requires support beyond the school’s resources. Through the advocacy process, collaboration between schools and families becomes easier and students with disability can be better supported throughout their education.

Read more about our work with students in NSW public schools https://adacas.org.au/education-advocacy-in-action/










Many people find themselves returning to hospital because they did not have the support they needed to recover safely at...
04/12/2025

Many people find themselves returning to hospital because they did not have the support they needed to recover safely at home. Others are ready to leave but feel unsure about how to organise short-term help, what they are eligible for, or how to communicate their needs confidently.

If you are an ACT resident, the ACT Government Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program may be able to provide short-term help such as domestic assistance, personal care, transport to medical or allied health appointments, food services, carer supports or bridging supports while you apply for longer term services and ADACAS provides advocacy as part of the CATS program.

We know that navigating health systems can feel overwhelming when you are unwell. If you feel you need assistance to ensure your voice is heard and your rights upheld when engaging with the medical system, our ADACAS advocates can support you.

Our advocacy is free, confidential and independent.If you need support, contact ADACAS on (02) 6242 5060 or through our website: www.adacas.org.au

Learn more about the CATS Program:
https://www.act.gov.au/health/find-a-health-service-or-short-term-support/short-term-support-when-you-are-unwell-community-assistance-and-temporary-supports-program










Tomorrow, Homelessness Nsw will officially launch the A Place to Call Home campaign at Parliament House in Sydney. This ...
04/12/2025

Tomorrow, Homelessness Nsw will officially launch the A Place to Call Home campaign at Parliament House in Sydney. This event will bring members and allies from across the homelessness and housing sectors together to strengthen the movement for change and advocate for a future where everyone in NSW has a safe and secure place to call home.

The launch will feature insights from the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration and a shared vision for ensuring people across NSW have access to stable housing.

ADACAS lends its support to this vital work because housing insecurity remains one of the most significant issues facing the people we advocate for. Across the ACT and the NSW regions we cover, our mental health and disability advocacy teams regularly support individuals who are navigating homelessness, unstable accommodation or unsafe living situations. In the past year alone, housing-related advocacy for people with disability increased by more than 50%, reflecting the growing scale of unmet need in our region.

We welcome initiatives that elevate housing as a human right and create space for lived experience to shape better systems.

Register or learn more about the launch: https://events.humanitix.com/a-place-to-call-home-campaign-official-launch-event











Our team began International Day of People with Disability - Australia gathered around a table, sharing breakfast and wa...
04/12/2025

Our team began International Day of People with Disability - Australia gathered around a table, sharing breakfast and watching stories that reminded us why we do this work.The reflections that followed were honest, thoughtful and deeply personal. Staff spoke about culture as connection, art as healing, the power of community, and the courage it takes to turn lived experience into advocacy.

This kind of shared learning strengthens our work. It keeps us grounded in humanity, led by lived experience and connected to the communities we support. Days like this help us show up with greater clarity, humility and purpose.

We are grateful to everyone who shared their reflections and helped deepen our understanding of what inclusion and respect really look like.







On Monday, ADACAS joined more than 90 community organisations, frontline workers, advocates and local leaders at the Sho...
03/12/2025

On Monday, ADACAS joined more than 90 community organisations, frontline workers, advocates and local leaders at the Shoalhaven Homelessness Nsw ‘A Place to Call Home and the support to keep it’ campaign meeting, a bold, coordinated movement to end homelessness in NSW. The attendance showed the extraordinary commitment to this issue and compassion across the region: human rights and wellbeing are dependent on the basic need for a stable home.

ADACAS attended because housing insecurity is a major issue facing many of the people we support through disability and mental health advocacy. When someone doesn’t have safe housing, every other system becomes harder to navigate: it affects health, decision-making, service access and a person’s ability to plan for the future.

Homelessness affects every part of the community and key issues raised included:
• a critical shortage of social and affordable housing
• significant gaps in funding for Specialist Homelessness Services
• rising mental health impacts linked to unstable housing
• persistent discrimination in rental markets
• the urgent need for culturally safe, accessible and trauma-informed approaches
• the absence of crisis accommodation in several local communities
• workforce burnout caused by unfunded demand and volunteer reliance

ADACAS will continue standing with partners in the Shoalhaven to push for equitable, inclusive and people-centred solutions.













Yesterday, ADACAS took part in the Goulburn’s Inclusion Forum for the International Day of People with Disability at th...
03/12/2025

Yesterday, ADACAS took part in the Goulburn’s Inclusion Forum for the International Day of People with Disability at the Goulburn Recreation Area. Community members, families and service providers came together in a welcoming setting to celebrated inclusion in action.

Our NSW Disability Advocacy Team spoke with people from across the region about our independent advocacy work, supported decision making frameworks and the rights of people with disability. It’s so important for us to see conversations opening about navigating systems that are not always easy to understand. Our advocates are always available to share information, listen to people’s experiences and offer guidance about where support is available.

We were proud to be part of a celebration that recognises strengths, celebrate diversity and promote participation for everyone.










We are excited to share that our brand new ADACAS website is now live.Today is International Day of People with Disabili...
02/12/2025

We are excited to share that our brand new ADACAS website is now live.Today is International Day of People with Disability, a day that focuses on celebrating strengths, recognising inclusion and understanding what helps people with disability participate fully in their communities. It felt like the perfect moment to launch a website that does exactly that.

The new website is easier to use and easier to understand. It explains the types of advocacy we provide, offers clearer contact pathways, and includes resources to help people learn about their rights. Most importantly, it makes finding independent support much simpler for anyone who needs it.

We are proud of the work that has gone into this project and we are, of course, we are grateful to everyone who helped shape it. We hope it makes the process of seeking advocacy clearer and more accessible for all.

Explore the new ADACAS website: www.adacas.org.au








02/12/2025

In advance of the International Day of People with Disability - Australia this week, the annual Disability Leadership Oration at held the National Archives of Australia. This event brings leaders, advocates, policymakers and community members together to deepen the national conversation about disability leadership and the future of inclusion in Australia.

This year’s Orator was Dwayne Fernandes, a double amputee, AstroAccess Flight 2 Ambassador and co founder of Minds at Play. Dwayne shared his perspective on leadership, ambition and access, drawing on his work in disability inclusion, space advocacy and community gaming. His message highlighted the importance of resilient thinking, inclusive design and the shared responsibility we all hold in shaping accessible futures. The Oration centres on the voices of people with disability and challenges us to think about how progress is achieved.

Although the event has already taken place, it will be fascinating to hear the event being aired nationally on ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas program on January 22, 2026.








Address

Unit 14 Weston Community Hub, 6 Gritten Street
Weston, ACT
2611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61262425060

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