Regional Disability Advocacy Service

19/02/2026

Have you seen either of these flags before? They both represent disability.

The first one (red diamond on white background) is a maritime flag called foxtrot; ships fly it to signal "I am disabled; communicate with me". It has been adapted by some people in the disability community to represent themselves.

The second one (charcoal grey background with diagonal stripes of green, blue, white, yellow and red going from the top left to the bottom right) is used to represent disability pride. Click on the flag to read more about the symbolism in it.

Which do you prefer? React with a like for the maritime flag, or a heart for the pride flag.

18/02/2026

Last week was our Wodonga SAILS group's turn to talk about boundaries and friendships. We discussed the importance of respecting our own boundaries as well as other people's, and we talked about the seven types of boundaries:
* Time management
* Material/Financial
* Mental health
* Physical
* Emotional
* Spiritual
* Non-negotiable

11/02/2026

Giving you someone to talk to who just gets it, doesn't judge you, and actually helps you resolve your issue is what we do. Call us on 1800 250 292 if you've got a human rights problem you need support to address.

[Image description: photo shows close up of Elizabeth, a woman with long dark blonde hair and sunglasses and wearing a black top. She is looking up towards the camera with a serious expression on her face. The caption says "RDAS helped me put in a complaint against one of my service providers. I was happy to be able to get some of my money back. My advocate was great... respected me, listened to me, didn't judge, was absolutely fantastic and amazing. Elizabeth, Wodonga". Underneath the quote is the RDAS logo.]

11/02/2026

SAILS has kicked off for the year, with Wagga having its first session last week. We welcomed some new members and spoke about the topic of Boundaries and Friendships. We covered the importance of saying "no" when things aren't right, and being confident in setting boundaries for yourself.

09/02/2026

Check out InfoTree, our monthly stakeholder newsletter here - February 2026 Edition - https://mailchi.mp/rdas.org.au/infotree-feb2026

03/02/2026

✊ TAKE CHARGE OF CHANGE

Starting school, landing a job, or accessing a new service – life’s big moments can be daunting. But having the right information can help you take charge of change with confidence.

This month, our friends at Children and Young People with Disability Australia are recruiting 40 new young people with disability, parents and caregivers to help design practical resources for navigating life’s turns.

🎯 Their goal? To provide the disability community with the tools to thrive while helping providers make their services more inclusive.

You can join one of their four co-design groups for:

👩‍👦 Parents and caregivers of children with disability aged 0 – 7
👨‍👧 Parents and caregivers of children with disability aged 8 – 12
🧑‍🎓 Young people with disability aged 13 – 17
🧑‍⚕️ Young people with disability aged 18 – 25

Selected participants will meet online regularly from March to December 2026.

Spaces are limited, apply by 15 Feb: https://cyda.org.au/take-charge-of-change-wave-2-expressions-of-interest-now-open/

30/01/2026

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your leadership matters.

SPARK is a FREE 10 session women’s leadership program for women aged 18+ with disability who have previously experienced family or domestic violence.

Build confidence. Learn more about self-advocacy and human rights. Connect with other like-minded women.

WHERE: Wagga Wagga & Albury-Wodonga
WHEN: Starting February 2025

Limited places available — Expressions Of Interest in the program are reviewed as received.
To register your interest or find out more: www.rdas.org.au/SPARK or contact us on 1800 250 292 or admin@rdas.org.au

(Easy-read information also available on our website.)

28/01/2026

Calling all NSW early childhood educators!

The Disability and Inclusion Program is a NSW Government Department of Education initiative which provides funding and support to enable children with disability or additional needs in not-for-profit community preschools to participate in a quality early childhood education program on the same basis as their peers.

Applications are now open. For all further information, please go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/disability-and-inclusion-program

28/01/2026

From the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's Instagram page:

Your provider’s role is to deliver safe, person-centred supports and services.

An independent advocate’s role is to represent you – and only you – without conflict or competing interests.

Providers can share factual information about NDIS services and refer you to independent advocacy organisations. But they cannot represent you as your advocate.

Separating these roles keeps boundaries clear and your rights protected.

🔗 Learn more via at https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/complaints/help-advocate

27/01/2026

“I have loved every minute of it, I have learned so much and look forward to going forward with it.”

We’ve had really positive feedback from our 2025 SPARK Women’s Leadership Program participants.

We’ve got a few places left for our next intake of our FREE Women’s Leadership Program (SPARK). SPARK is for women aged 18+ with disability who have previously experienced family or domestic violence. All disabilities are welcomed, no medical diagnosis required.

WHERE: Wagga Wagga & Albury-Wodonga
WHEN: Starting from late February 2025

SPARK supports women to:
✔ Grow their unique leadership skills and style
✔ Learn more about self-advocacy and human rights
✔ Strengthen emotional wellbeing and self-care strategies
✔ Connect with other like-minded women

Limited places available due to small group numbers — Expressions Of Interest in the program are reviewed as received.

To register interest or find out more: www.rdas.org.au/SPARK or contact us on 1800 250 292 or admin@rdas.org.au

(Easy-read information also available on our website)

Easy Read information Download flyer SPARK Women’s Leadership Program – now taking expressions of interest (form at end of page) If you’re a woman or non-binary person interested in developing your leadership skills, building more confidence and recognising your own strengths, we’d love to h...

26/01/2026

Client Case Study: Jay & Jo

Jay is a young man who chooses to live by himself. He also lives with profound disabilities and requires 24/7 care and support. As an NDIS participant, Jay was at risk of losing funding for his support needs and facing the prospect of having to move into a share house against his wishes.

Jay’s mum, Jo, knew this would be terrible for Jay, so she asked RDAS to help her fight for his rights at an upcoming Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) hearing. She was assigned an Advocate who had a wealth of knowledge about the system and determination to see it through to the end.

Jo’s Advocate worked with a lawyer to compile all the evidence and documentation Jay needed to successfully persuade the NDIA that he should be allowed to stay in his own home. In fact Jay’s case never even made it to trial, as the NDIA came to an agreement with him and his team before the hearing date. What a thrilling result for Jo and a wonderful, life-changing outcome for Jay!

09/01/2026

This year, our friends at Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) officially launched Take Charge of Change – a set of exciting new resources to help you navigate life’s big changes.

Whether you or your child is starting school, finding a job, or moving out of home for the first time, they’ve got you covered with:
📘 Guides, handbooks, and factsheets
💬 Blog posts and advice articles on ‘Doing Adulthood’
🧒 A children’s book about starting school
🎙️ Podcasts and videos
🗓️ Planners and digital posters

The resources were co-designed with 40 young people with disability, families, and caregivers. They’re free, accessible, and easy to share – so you can Take Charge of Change with confidence.

Check them out at cyda.org.au/TakeCharge 🔗