The policy work we do do is broad and covers national, state and local issues in any domain that affects the lives of people with spinal cord injury and other disabilities. Any policy decision or regulation or law that has a negative impact on the lives of the disability community, be it access or inclusion or participation, is likely to have an influence on the work that the team do counter this. This comes in many forms such as lobbying decision-makers and funders (government and non-government) to pursue changes.

Governments often hold inquiries where significant policy decisions or changes or reforms are being considered such as is happening at the moment with the proposed implementation of independent assessments within the NDIS. In response, we write submissions to such inquiries to highlight our concerns, how things can be improved, and what impacts decisions are likely to have on the people we represent. SCIA is operating to create change and influence key decision-makers to have as broad an impact on all people with disability. This includes attending public hearings as expert witnesses; writing to politicians and government departments and agencies; holding public office bearers to account when decisions are made that negatively impact people’s lives.