The ability to access legal support is essential and people with disability are entitled to the fulfilment of the same rights as every other individual. In Queensland there are dedicated services and resources to ensure people with disabilities can understand and exercise their rights. Below, you'll find information about the types of legal issues you can get help with, available services, and how to access advocacy and assistance.
How Legal Assistance Can Help
People with disabilities may face unique legal challenges, including:
- Discrimination and breaches of human rights
- Access to services such as healthcare, housing, or education
- Issues with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including eligibility or service disputes
- Workplace disputes or unfair dismissal
- Financial matters, including debt recovery or abuse of power of attorney
- Assistance with making decisions
Support Services for Legal Advice and Advocacy
Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI)
QAI provides independent advocacy to ensure people with disabilities are supported in dealing with complex legal or systemic issues. Their team can assist with navigating disputes, raising complaints, and understanding your rights under Queensland law.
They also provide fact sheets and useful information about:
- NDIS – information about how to apply for and appeal decisions about support
- Human rights – information for people with disabilities about their human rights and how they can make sure these are not being compromised
- Mental health – information about the Mental Health Tribunal and involuntary treatment orders
- Assisted Decision-making – information about how to support people with disabilities to make decisions about things that impact them
Visit Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion or call 1300 130 582.
Disability Advocacy Pathways
Disability Advocacy Pathways is an initiative of QAI that helps Queenslanders with disabilities, their families, and carers find the right support quickly and easily. Instead of making multiple calls to locate the right service, Pathways connects members of the public with the best advocacy and support options based on their needs and location.
The program works with a wide network of organizations to match people with the right help. If advocacy isn’t the best solution for your issue, Pathways can connect you to other helpful services like legal centres or community support hubs.
Visit Disability Advocacy Pathways or call 1800 130 582.