Free advocacy services are available to support people living in the Limestone Coast who wish to tell their story to the Disability Royal Commission.

Disability Rights Advocacy Service’s Mount Gambier based advocate Narelle Probert is available to meet with people with disability, their families and carers, should they require advocacy support.

Disability Rights Advocacy Service is one of 50 providers to receive additional funding from the Federal Government to provide individual advocacy support to help people engage with the Disability Royal Commission.

Disability Rights Advocacy Service chief executive Letizia Gentile said Disability Rights Advocacy Service helped to protect the rights and interests of people with disability and supported people to speak up. “Advocates are supporting an increasing number of people with disability and their representatives since the Disability Royal Commission kicked off in 2019,” she said.

“Advocates can help people to make a submission to the Disability Royal Commission, arrange accessible supports such as interpreters and connect people to services such as legal, financial and other supports. “Advocates are also available to support people with disability to make decisions about engaging with the Disability Royal Commission.”

For advocacy support, contact Disability Rights Advocacy Service on 8351 9500 and ask for the Disability Royal Commission Advocate. People can also contact the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468 8.30am to 5.30pm weekdays and 8.30am to 4.30pm weekends and national public holidays.

People who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Disability Rights Advocacy Service through the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Disability Rights Advocacy Service can arrange free translations and interpreting for people who need help in another language.