Advocacy for people with developmental disability

At times, a person with developmental disability or their families may present with a problem that needs someone to advocate on their behalf. In some instances, the general practitioner (GP) can advocate directly, or they can connect the person to an advocacy organisation. Advocacy for a person with developmental disability should be underpinned by the principles of care outlined here.

Important aspects of advocacy for people with developmental disability include:

• establishing successful communication
• understanding the person’s capacity and support required to make decisions
• understanding the person’s needs and necessary adjustments to care
• conflict resolution—strategies outlined for palliative care situations can be helpful in many scenarios
• awareness of potential for abuse and trauma.

The Australian Government Department of Social Services has a list of organisations and resources that include advocacy initiatives (eg National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS] Appeals, National Disability Advocacy Program).

See also the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations list of disability advocacy organisations.