ADVOCACY Section 2 – Policy 3 Date of Issue: January 2013 Date of Review: January 2015
Overview The hidden nature of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and the lack of knowledge, understanding and expertise available in the community means that ABI individuals are often disadvantaged, marginalised, disenfranchised and discriminated against. Human, civil and legal rights are often denied or compromised and recognition of needs is often overlooked when policy and funding decisions are being made. The rights of people with ABI and their families to access appropriate individual advocacy and to have representation through systems advocacy are recognised and supported by BINSA. People represented by BINSA will be encouraged to identify their specific advocacy issues and jointly develop strategies for action.
Policy Statement People with an ABI have a right to access accurate and timely information relating to brain injury to assist them to make adjustments to live full and meaningful lives. They also have the right to be involved in decision making about their services and to have choices. This is a necessary part of informed decision making. Primary Target Groups Adults and children with disability as a result of an ABI, and their family/carers are the primary target group. Secondary Target Groups Other advocacy agencies, Government Departments, service providers, and any member of the community requiring information about ABI’s, their consequences and effects in order to meet consumer needs and/or understand the experiences and impact of acquired brain injury. Related Documents & Information Freedom from Abuse Policy Protection of Human Rights Policy Individual Program Policy National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)
Relevant Legislation / Standards Disability Services Act Human Services and Equal Opportunity Act Disability Discrimination Act
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Authorised by: Chairperson: Joanna Andrew .......................................................
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Date: 31/1/2013 ............
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