Help For Disabilities | Disabilities In Victoria | Youth Central

Doing the things you want to do isn't always straightforward if you have a disability. The issue of access - to places, activities or information - is an important one.

For information about disability in Victoria, and articles written by Victorians with a disability, check out the Victorian Government's DiVine website.

Finding Disability Services and Support

Government and community services can help you, your family or your carer to access services and information.

If you have had any problems with disability services in Victoria, including services provided by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, you should contact the Victorian Disability Services Commissioner to discuss how you can resolve your issues. They can also help you work out how to deal with complaints about non-Victorian disability services.

You can register a complaint or make an enquiry by visiting their website, emailing them at complaints@odsc.vic.gov.au or calling them on 1800 677 342 (free call).

Disability Rights

Victorian law protects people's rights and prevents discrimination. If you believe you've been discriminated against, there are organisations out there that can help.

DiVine's Rights and Policies pages also have information and articles about disability rights and advocacy in Victoria, as well as information about policies, laws and the Victorian State Disability Plan.

Public Transport

Accessibility programs in Victoria offer ways for people with a disability or special needs to take advantage of public transport, including:

For more about accessibility and public transport, check out Public Transport Victoria's Accessible Transport page.

Travellers Aid is an organisation based at Southern Cross and Flinders Street Stations in Melbourne. It provides assistance and support to travellers including buggy transport, mobility aid hire and medical companion assistance. To request a service, contact them through their Book a Service page or call them on (03) 9654 2600

For more about public transport in Victoria, check out the Public Transport page here on Youth Central.

Study

The Department of Education and Training offers support to students with a disability in both primary and secondary school. Check out their Special Needs Support page for more information.

If you're studying, or planning to study, at TAFE or university, it's worth getting in touch with your campus's Disability Liaison Units - visit your university or TAFE's website to find out more.

The Youth Disability Advocacy Service's Tips for Tertiary DVD features advice and personal stories about tertiary study for people with a disability. You can order copies of the DVD by getting in touch with YDAS directly.

For more about study options, check out the Study & Training pages here on Youth Central.

Arts

Arts Access Australia works to increase opportunities and access in the arts for people with a disability. Their website provides arts news, artist profiles and information about opportunities for artists.

DiVine's Arts and Entertainment pages also have information about the arts, including reviews of movies, books and exhibitions.

Sport & Recreation

Access for All Abilities helps to connect people with a disability to sports and recreational opportunities in Victoria. You can contact them through their website, or call them direct on 1800 AAA VIC.

Disability Sport & Recreation works to make sure that Victorians with a disability have access to sport and recreation opportunities and facilities. Register to use their free Score! tool so you can find and rate sporting facilities near you based on your accessibility needs.

Links

DiVine
Information about disability in Victoria, featuring articles written by Victorians with a disability.

Youth Disability Rights Hub
Information about understanding and defending disability rights.

Victorian Disability Services Commissioner 
Handling complaints about disability services in Victoria and offering help with complaints outside Victoria.

Office of The Public Advocate 
Protecting and promoting the interests, rights and dignity of people with a disability.

Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission 
Educating people about equal rights in Victoria.

InfoXchange - Service Seeker
Search for disability service providers in your region.

Department of Health and Human Services - Disability
Disability services and advocacy offered by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Department of Education and Training - Special Needs Support
Support for Victorian primary and secondary students with a disability.

Travellers Aid 
Providing assistance to travellers at Flinders St Station and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

Public Transport Victoria - Accessible Transport
Information about accessibility and support for passengers with a disability.

Centrelink - People with Disability
Government payments and work support programs for people with a disability.

Access for All Abilities
Connecting people with a disability to sports and recreational opportunities in Victoria.

Disability Sport & Recreation 
Working to ensure that Victorians with a disability have access to sport and recreation opportunities and facilities. 

Arts Access Australia
Working to increase opportunities and access in the arts for people with a disability.