Education Advocacy in Action
How ADACAS Supports Students with Disability in NSW
At ADACAS, we believe every student has the right to learn in an environment that is inclusive, supportive and respectful of their needs. Yet for many students with disability, navigating the school system can feel complex and overwhelming. Families often tell us they are unsure how to access supports, raise concerns or ensure their child’s rights are upheld at school.
It’s not always easy to ask for help, and that’s exactly why education advocacy matters. It’s not about speaking for people, but standing beside them so their voices are heard.
Through the NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP), ADACAS provides free, independent and confidential advocacy across the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Illawarra–Shoalhaven regions. Funded by the NSW Government, this program helps people with disability access services and supports, including education, health, housing, transport and justice, so that systems respond fairly and equitably to the people they serve.
Making Rights Real in Education
Education is more than learning in the classroom, it’s about inclusion, participation and confidence for every student. Our advocates work alongside students and their families to help them understand their rights, navigate school systems and strengthen communication with teachers, principals and support teams. In many cases, families already have some supports in place, but we just help them make sense of how to use them. We can help families:
- Understand and access available supports and adjustments.
- Work with schools to develop or review learning plans.
- Raise concerns safely and constructively when things aren’t working. Sometimes that means sitting down with the school and helping the conversation stay on track.
- Ensure that students’ voices are heard in decisions that affect their education.
The DAFP program reflects a national commitment to building rights-based and accountable systems for people with disability. ADACAS advocates help ensure that students are treated fairly and that schools meet their responsibilities under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
When challenges like communication barriers, uncertainty about adjustments, or delays in assessments occur, our advocates help people understand their options and connect to appropriate services. This is how systems become accountable: by listening, responding and adapting to people’s real experiences.
Building Inclusive and Equitable Communities
Our advocacy doesn’t stop at the school gate. ADACAS works with local networks, community organisations and disability services to promote awareness and inclusion across our targeted NSW areas. By sharing information and delivering education sessions, we help create inclusive communities where diversity is understood and valued. We know that lasting change happens when people, schools and communities see advocacy as a partnership that builds understanding, confidence and connection.
Every student and family deserves support when they need it. That’s why ADACAS advocacy is free, independent and confidential. Our team works in person, by phone or video link to make advocacy accessible across the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Illawarra–Shoalhaven regional areas. Of course, every student and family’s experience is different, which is why our advocacy is always tailored.
When someone reaches out to ADACAS, they can expect to be listened to, supported and guided to make informed decisions. Each conversation helps people understand their rights and take confident steps toward inclusion and equality.
