External Support - Index
- Australian Government Organisations
- Australian Non-Government Organisations
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- International Organisations
There is a variety of support and information sources available for people who have an interest in disability issues or who would like to seek further support. The resources listed on this page are not exhaustive and are provided as a starting off point. Defence does not support, promote or endorse a specific organisation or website. If you would like any further assistance, please contact us at equityadvice@defence.gov.au.
Australian Communications Authority - Disability Services includes telecommunication services and resources available for people with disabilities such as hearing aids and telecommunication access.
Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) works with other Government agencies to identify and address barriers to equitable access to the information economy and communication services for people with disabilities.
Australian Human Rights Commission provides a range of resources and links on disability discrimination and other human rights and disability issues including information on rights and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act, including a brief guide and more detailed frequently asked questions; complaint outcomes; action plans; temporary exemptions; standards and guidelines; and links to related sites. Pages on disability and specific areas of life: rights, responsibilities and resources about discrimination in areas including employment, public transport, and access to premises .
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information . Its mission is t o improve the health and well being of Australians, to inform community discussion and decision making through national leadership in developing and providing health and welfare statistics and information.
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is the Australian Government's main source of advice on social policy. FaHCSIA works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations managing a diverse range of programs and services designed to support and improve the lives of Australians, including those with disability.
Commonwealth Disability Strategy (CDS) The CDS is a strategic framework for inclusion and participation by people with disability in Commonwealth Government policies, programs and services. Under the Strategy, Commonwealth Government agencies are obliged to remove barriers which prevent people with disability from having access to policies, programs and services.
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (New South Wales) This site provides information on areas of interest for people with a disability including children and young people with a disability.
Department of Health and Human Services (Tasmania) is a program of the Division of Community and Rural Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. Through the provision of a range of services from accommodation to information, Disability Services either funds or directly provides services to people with disabilities.
Disability Online - Queensland is the first disability focused department in Queensland. Their responsibilities include: the provision of services and supports, both direct services (provided by the Department) and those provided through the non-government sector; Community infrastructure development; and Whole-of-Government leadership and coordination.
The Disability Services Commission - Western Australia has a primary focus of making a positive difference to the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers. The Commission will provide leadership to:
- support local communities in welcoming and assisting people with disabilities, their families and carers;
- achieve access to quality support and services for people with disabilities; and
- protect the rights of people with disabilities who are especially vulnerable and support them to live a full and valued life.
Disability Services Division - Victoria is responsible for funding and providing a range of supports and services for people in Victoria with intellectual, physical, sensory and dual disabilities, neurological impairments and acquired brain injury.
Mobility allowance information is provided by Centrelink and provides assistance to people with disabilities who are in paid employment, voluntary work, vocational training, undertaking independent living/life skills training or a combination of paid work and training and who are unable to use public transport without substantial assistance.Vision Australia (previously known as the The Royal Blind Society) is the key blindness agency in NSW and the ACT. Through specialist services, they work in partnership with people who are blind or vision impaired and their families, to expand the choices available to them.
Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA) is a professional body representing Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Interpreters which promotes awareness and recognition of the rights and responsibilities of practitioners.
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Incorporated (AUSIT) is the professional association for Translators and Interpreters in Australia that provides information and a referral service. Whether you are looking for a Translator (written word) or Interpreter (spoken word), this site has a useful search for interpreter function.
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) is a national standards body owned by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia. It is also an advisory body for the Translation and Interpreting (T&I) industry in Australia providing advice and consultancy services on T&I standards, accreditation, role and conduct of Translators and Interpreters and T&I skills in various settings.
The Deaf Society of NSW works within the community to ensure Deaf people achieve their full rights and fulfil their responsibilities as Australian citizens. The Deaf Society believes that Deaf people should enjoy the same political, civil and human rights as other members of the community and works with the Deaf Community to secure these rights.
Western Australian Deaf Society Inc.
The Brain Foundation - Their mission is to reduce the incidents and impact of diseases, disorders and injuries of the brain, spine and nervous system through the provision of support, community education and research.
Carpentaria Disability Services Inc (CDS Northern Territory) is a non-government organisation that provides a range of services to persons with disabilities in the Northern Territory. The Organisation aims to promote inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities in employment, training, accommodation and
leisure domains. This is achieved by teaching various skills and equipping
consumers with coping mechanisms and self-esteem and ultimately should
enable persons with disabilities to achieve their full potential as valued
members of the community. Contact number: 08 8945 0518.
Health Insite - Through this site you will find a wide range of up-to-date and quality assessed information on important health topics such as diabetes, cancer, mental health and asthma. We hope you will become a regular visitor to the site and make HealthInsite your first choice for health information.
Multiple Sclerosis Society aims to enhance the quality of life of people with MS and reduce the impact of MS on the families and carers of those with multiple sclerosis. Also aims to maintain and increase its role as a leading not-for-profit organisation and a preferred charity in Australia for community and corporate support.
Muscular Dystrophy Australia provides information, support and contacts for people with muscular dystrophy and Neuromuscular Disorders and their families and friends.
NICAN provides information on recreation, tourism, sport and the arts for people with disAbilities.
Paraquad NSW provides services for people with a spinal cord injury or a similar disability, their families and carers. Some of these are: services to assist them to live as independently as possible, equipment and aids, advocacy, broad expert information and advice, and a medico-legal service.
Independence Australia (formally the paraplegic Association of Victoria) provides community based services that are responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of people with a disability to help them achieve the best possible quality of life and their dream of independence. Independence Australia offers services to people with varying disabilities and level of ability, including paraplegic and quadriplegic people, as well as people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and stroke.
PARAQUAD SA is the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia. They provide information, advice and referral for accommodation, providing peer support, counselling and advocacy, offering family support services and raising community awareness.
Paraquad Tasmania assists and encourages paraplegics and quadriplegics in their endeavours to once more become an integral part of their community. Paraquad Tasmania includes Paraquad Tasmania Vision, a service provided to all people with a disability in Tasmania, and provides the following comprehensive services: a Medical Equipment Supply Service; a prevention & awareness program; information & referral; peer support & advocacy; and a tourism database of accessible venues throughout Tasmania.
The Paraplegic-Quadriplegic Association of W.A. (Inc.) provides advice, information and advocacy to enable people afflicted with spinal cord paralysis or disease and related conditions to participate in community life. The Association provides vocational training, personal skills development and employment opportunities to persons with a disability seeking to enhance their valued role in the community.
Physical Disability Council of NSW provides a state-wide voice for people with a physical disability with the goal of securing equal rights for people with disability. They participate in networks to build better links between people with a physical disability, their families and organisations.
The Disability Information and Resource Centre - South Australia's mission is to enhance the status of people with a disability and develop community understanding of disability related issues by providing accurate, relevant, timely and appropriately formatted information on all aspects of disability. DIRC provides an information, referral and advice service to the people of South Australia from a Centre where the needs of people with a disability have priority and where they are valued.
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the peak organisation for women with all types of disabilities in Australia. It is a federating body of individuals and networks in each State and Territory of Australia and is made up of women with disabilities and associated organisations. WWDA is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities. It is the only organisation of its kind in Australia and one of only a very small number internationally. WWDA is inclusive and does not discriminate against any disability. WWDA seeks to ensure opportunities in all walks of life for all women with disabilities. In this it aims to increase awareness of, and address issues faced by, women with disabilities in the community. WWDA seeks to ensure the advancement of education of society to the status and needs of women with disabilities in order to promote equity, reduce suffering, poverty, discrimination and exploitation of women with disabilities.
For further information on mental health services, check the Community Help and Welfare Services and 24-hour emergency numbers in your local White Pages, as well as some of the websites below.
Beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. Beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments with a key goal of raising community awareness about depression and reducing stigma associated with the illness. Beyondblue works in partnership with health services, schools, workplaces, universities, media and community organisations, as well as people living with depression, to bring together their expertise around depression.
Lifeline Australia provides FAQ and fact sheets, subject expertise, directories and counselling services for mental health, suicide prevention and other related services. Includes links to information on depression, schizophrenia and kids help line.
SANE Australia provides FAQ and fact sheets, subject expertise, directories and information for people suffering from mental illness. Includes psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, suicide, violence, treatments, medications and links to related sites.
The Australian Trauma Web is hosted by the University of Melbourne's Criminology Department. This site provides links to information about trauma and post traumatic stress disorder. Includes treatment programs, resources, support associations, veterans, medication, research and links to related sites.
Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS ) provides directories, articles, subject expertise and information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Includes publications, resources and links to related sites. Subject Coverage: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma, Mental Health.
The Department of Health and Ageing coordinates general mental health and well being issues.
The Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Inc. is committed to improving the circumstances and welfare of people living with schizophrenia, their relatives and carers, and professionals working in the area.
Standard Rules on the equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities [United Nations]
United Nations Enable: Rights & Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
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