Information for People with Disabilities

About Disability

Under the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014, disability means a long‑term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, together with barriers in society, can make it harder for a person to fully take part in community life.

Disability is a normal part of life for many people. It can affect the body, mind, senses, or the way a person thinks or communicates. Disability can be visible or hidden.
People with disability have the same rights as everyone else and should be included, treated with respect, and supported to live the life they choose. The right support helps people to:

make their own choices
take part in everyday activities
feel safe and respected when using health and community services

Good disability support focuses on removing barriers and making sure everyone has a fair chance to be involved in their community.

Our Commitment

Everyone has the right to health and to be included.
Disability is natural part of life, people are different in how their bodies and minds work. This difference is normal and should be respected.
Our job is to make sure people with disability can access services, are listened to, are treated with respect, and can access their rights.

Going to hospital: A guide for people with disability and their carers

This guide supports people with disability and their carers to prepare for and manage a hospital visit. It:

explains your healthcare rights
explains consent and staying safe
shows how to plan for and share your support needs
helps you know what to bring to hospital
explains what to expect during your hospital stay
lists supports that are available.

The guide also explains who to contact for help and how to give feedback about your hospital experience.

Community members wanting to apply for access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply here or call NDIS National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110.

Community members who live in south west Sydney can also contact NDIS partners:

For children younger than 9 years seeking referrals to NDIS services can contact EACH the Early Childhood Approach partner for South West Sydney on 1300 003 224 or email ndis@each.com.au. EACH provides support to connect with mainstream services, short-term early intervention, and help with NDIS access requests.
For children and adults aged 9 to 64 years seeking assistance with their NDIS application can contact the NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partner, Settlement Services International (SSI), by phone at 1800 960 975 or email at SSILAC@ndis.gov.au.

Community members wanting to access to advocates, information and services

If you are in immediate danger: Call emergency services on 000 (Triple zero).

Ask Izzy is a website and app that helps people find and access support services. You can use it to look for:

housing
food, meals and every day needs
money help
domestic and family violence help
health care, support and counselling
advocacy and legal services

It is free to use and anonymous. It works on mobile even without credit or WiFi.

See https://askizzy.org.au/

Disability Gateway helps people with disability, their families and carers find the information, services and support they need.

See https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ for further information.
Contact Disability Gateway on: 1800 643 787 or email: disabilitygateway@benevolent.org.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEDT / AEST (excludes public holidays)

Carers Gateway provides support for carers.
See https://www.carergateway.gov.au/help-and-support/getting-support-carergatewy for further information.
Contact Carers Gateway on: 1800 422 737
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (excludes public holidays)