Doing the things you want to do isn't always straightforward if you have a disability. The issue of access - to places, activities or information - is an important one.
For information about disability in Victoria, and articles written by Victorians with a disability, check out the Victorian Government's DiVine website.
Finding Disability Services and Support
Government and community services can help you, your family or your carer to access services and information.
- The Youth Disability Advocacy Service advocates for social change and offers support services for young people with a disability
- InfoXchange's Service Seeker tool lets you search for disability service providers in your region
- The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services provides many disability services, including equipment, support, information and advocacy
- Centrelink offers a range of government payments and work support programs for people with a disability
If you have had any problems with disability services in Victoria, including services provided by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, you should contact the Victorian Disability Services Commissioner to discuss how you can resolve your issues. They can also help you work out how to deal with complaints about non-Victorian disability services.
You can register a complaint or make an enquiry by visiting their website, emailing them at complaints@odsc.vic.gov.au or calling them on 1800 677 342 (free call).
Disability Rights
Victorian law protects people's rights and prevents discrimination. If you believe you've been discriminated against, there are organisations out there that can help.
- The Victorian Disability Services Commissioner manages complaints about disability services in Victoria, and can also help with complaints outside Victoria
- The Office of The Public Advocate was set up to protect and promote the interests, rights and dignity of people with a disability
- The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission works to educate people about equal rights in Victoria
- The Youth Disability Rights Hub has lots of information about understanding and defending your rights relating to work, housing, healthcare, disability services and more
DiVine's Rights and Policies pages also have information and articles about disability rights and advocacy in Victoria, as well as information about policies, laws and the Victorian State Disability Plan.
Public Transport
Accessibility programs in Victoria offer ways for people with a disability or special needs to take advantage of public transport, including:
- The Access Travel Pass for people with a significant permanent disability who travel independently
- The Companion Card, providing free public transport travel for official carers and companions
- Passes for people using scooters and wheelchairs
- Passes for people with vision impairment
For more about accessibility and public transport, check out Public Transport Victoria's Accessible Transport page.
Travellers Aid is an organisation based at Southern Cross and Flinders Street Stations in Melbourne. It provides assistance and support to travellers including buggy transport, mobility aid hire and medical companion assistance. To request a service, contact them through their Book a Service page or call them on (03) 9654 2600.
For more about public transport in Victoria, check out the Public Transport page here on Youth Central.
Study
The Department of Education and Training offers support to students with a disability in both primary and secondary school. Check out their Special Needs Support page for more information.
If you're studying, or planning to study, at TAFE or university, it's worth getting in touch with your campus's Disability Liaison Units - visit your university or TAFE's website to find out more.
The Youth Disability Advocacy Service's Tips for Tertiary DVD features advice and personal stories about tertiary study for people with a disability. You can order copies of the DVD by getting in touch with YDAS directly.
For more about study options, check out the Study & Training pages here on Youth Central.
Arts
Arts Access Australia works to increase opportunities and access in the arts for people with a disability. Their website provides arts news, artist profiles and information about opportunities for artists.
DiVine's Arts and Entertainment pages also have information about the arts, including reviews of movies, books and exhibitions.
Sport & Recreation
Access for All Abilities helps to connect people with a disability to sports and recreational opportunities in Victoria. You can contact them through their website, or call them direct on 1800 AAA VIC.
Disability Sport & Recreation works to make sure that Victorians with a disability have access to sport and recreation opportunities and facilities. Register to use their free Score! tool so you can find and rate sporting facilities near you based on your accessibility needs.
Links
DiVine
Information about disability in Victoria, featuring articles written by Victorians with a disability.
Youth Disability Rights Hub
Information about understanding and defending disability rights.
Victorian Disability Services Commissioner
Handling complaints about disability services in Victoria and offering help with complaints outside Victoria.
Office of The Public Advocate
Protecting and promoting the interests, rights and dignity of people with a disability.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission
Educating people about equal rights in Victoria.
InfoXchange - Service Seeker
Search for disability service providers in your region.
Department of Health and Human Services - Disability
Disability services and advocacy offered by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.
Department of Education and Training - Special Needs Support
Support for Victorian primary and secondary students with a disability.
Travellers Aid
Providing assistance to travellers at Flinders St Station and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.
Public Transport Victoria - Accessible Transport
Information about accessibility and support for passengers with a disability.
Centrelink - People with Disability
Government payments and work support programs for people with a disability.
Access for All Abilities
Connecting people with a disability to sports and recreational opportunities in Victoria.
Disability Sport & Recreation
Working to ensure that Victorians with a disability have access to sport and recreation opportunities and facilities.
Arts Access Australia
Working to increase opportunities and access in the arts for people with a disability.