SCIA started Advocacy Community Networks (ACNs) to create a model of advocacy that provided a voice for people with disability in their local community. Our Peer Leaders have done exactly that! They have identified local issues, barriers and needs that we would have not known about if not for the networks.
Since February 2025, ACNs meet every month or two months in their local communities to talk about local advocacy issues and to share lived experiences. Networks have so far engaged 145 people with disability, carers and family members and other supporters.
Hear what ACN attendees in NSW and the ACT are saying about their networks:
- 100% of respondents said that they would recommend the Advocacy Community Networks to others
- 96% said that having a group leader with lived experience of disability was important
- 79% said that they had significant opportunity to connect with others in their networks
- 72% knew where to participate in advocacy campaigns and events
- 88% said they have a better understanding of their rights and disability issues
- 88% were more confident to advocate for themselves
These brilliant results highlight the positive impact of an advocacy model based on lived experience and shared responsibility.
“[I enjoyed] meeting others in the group and learning from their experiences, the opportunities I get to talk at the meetings”
“[I learnt] better advocating for myself, learning from others in the group”
Thank you to all the people who participated in the survey to help us improve and grow.
A big thank you to all the Advocacy Advisory Group members who have established Advocacy Community Networks in their local areas. Without you, this project would not have been possible.
Take a look at our upcoming Advocacy Community Networks here.
