This event has concluded.
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The NDIS trials are done and we’re now transitioning, region by region, to full roll out across Australia to be completed by 2020. The changes since trial are significant – Planners have been outsourced, the Quality and Safeguards Framework has been introduced and the External Merits Review has been replaced by the NDIS Appeals process.
Advocates are now shifting gear, turning their focus from the euphoric nationwide campaign that got the scheme established, back to assisting people with disability to navigate a new landscape where the signposts are not always clear.
Getting into gear for the NDIS journey will feature a keynote address and facilitated panel discussions looking back on the journey so far, how well the principles of choice and control are being embedded in NDIS policies and processes and what road blocks to avoid on the road ahead.
It’s all over for another year and it’s fair to say that we let the clutch out on the NDIS. We heard from a dynamic range of speakers, welcomed a few last minute replacements and shared many experiences and ideas. Choc tops and popcorn hit the spot at the screening of Defiant Lives and a national campaign to raise awareness of the value of advocacy (see latest news for more info) was muted in the final session on the ‘Gearing Up’ day.
Our roving reporter, Jeff Waters from Ethical News, was bouncing around all day gathering together comments from delegates which he compiled in this video.
This conference is for anyone who is interested in strengthening and upholding the rights of people with disability.
You are invited to join Sarah Barton, Director at Fertile Films, for this special pre-conference screening.
Defiant Lives introduces the world to the most impressive activists you’ve never heard of and tells the story of the rise and fight of the disability rights movement in the United States, Britain and Australia.
Featuring exclusive interviews with elders (some now deceased) who’ve led the movement over the past five decades, the film weaves together never-before-seen archival footage with the often-confronting personal stories of disabled men and women as they moved from being warehoused in institutions to fighting for independence and control over their lives.
Defiant Lives is a triumphant film full of extraordinary characters who put their lives on the line to create a better and very different world where everyone regardless of impairment is valued and can participate.
Defiant Lives Official Trailer from Sarah Barton on Vimeo.
Last year’s ‘Putting rights centre stage’ conference created a buzz that sent ripples out to the wider sector and into the mainstream. To remind us of the key points, here is a short highlights video that encapsulates the passion participants experienced.
The Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference is hosted by DARU and is the flagship event for the disability advocacy sector in Victoria. The conference planning committee is comprised of representatives from disability advocacy organisations. The team putting together SDAC17 includes:
Keep up to date with the latest conference news on X (formerly twitter)
National Australia Bank have created a hub in Melbourne’s CBD with a range of meeting rooms and technologies available to NAB customers in a modern, architecturally interesting building.
The building design incorporates access features including talking lifts with tactile buttons, multiple accessible toilets on the same level as The Hall and safe taxi drop off and pick up point. Being located right next to Southern Cross station with entrance directly from the Bourke Street concourse further adds to the access credentials.
These facilities are offered to NAB not-for-profit customers free of charge. DARU is pleased to take advantage of this offer and we look forward to welcoming you here in September.
The Hall is located on level 3. There are two main entrances:
Look our for the volunteers wearing our striking, bright red conference vests – hard to miss them! They are helping out with ushering, registration and general assistance so please approach them if you need anything.
Southern Cross Station is the nearest station which is very convenient as most metropolitan lines, and all regional lines, go through Southern Cross.
Coming from a train platform at Southern Cross Station:
You should see the NAB building almost immediately as it is the first building on the right over the tracks. Once inside the very impressive atrium, take the escalator directly in front of you, or the lift on the right, up one level to The Hall.
Trams that stop at Southern Cross station include:
NAB 700 has a taxi drop off point at 700 Bourke Street which is located opposite the Channel Nine studios. The taxi rank located outside Platform 28 night club can also be used as a drop off point. The Platform 23 rank is recommended as the pick up point when booking taxis for return journeys home.
Getting to NAB from the Platform 23 rank:
Etihad Stadium’s car park provides 24-hour security and surveillance seven days a week. The fully covered and underground facility is located only a short walking distance from NAB.
Delegates can take advantage of the $18 early bird rate on 2 September (enter before 9:30am and exit between 1:30pm & 8pm). Visit the website for more rate information or to book your space in advance online:
http://etihadstadium.com.au/car-park-options/
Note: the event is only applicable for events held at the stadium.
This conference is fully inclusive and we are committed to meeting all access requirements for participants with disability. There will be Auslan platform interpreters for all sessions. The registration form has an access requirement section where you can let us know what you need including:
Note: If you do require attendant care, register yourself and then contact DARU and we will manually process a ticket for your support person or can arrange one for you.
To make changes to a purchased ticket or to arrange attendant care needs, contact Natasha Brake at DARU:
T: (03) 9639 5807
E: [email protected]
The Disability Services Commissioner is committed to ensuring that people with disability have a voice and presence in conversations about matters that affect them. Which is why The Disability Services Commissioner has proudly sponsored the Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2017: Getting into Gear for the NDIS Journey, to enable 50 people with disability to purchase their conference ticket at a heavily discounted rate of $30.
If you have a disability and Have a concession card, email [email protected] to request the CODE to purchase your subsidised ticket on Eventbrite.
Tickets go on sale Monday 15 May 2017 and close Tuesday 12 September 2017.
The ticket for the pre-conference screening of Defiant Lives on Thursday 14 September includes morning tea.
The ticket for the full day conference program on Friday 15 September includes:
Tickets are inclusive of GST and Eventbrite fees and are non-refundable. Purchased tickets can, however, be transferred to another person by contacting the event organiser.
