Advocacy – Disability
We offer mediation and advocacy services for people with disabilities. These may include:
- individuals who have an approved NDIS Plan but are not receiving the services that will really help them meet their goals.
- those who are signing up with the NDIS for the first time, and are finding it difficult navigating the system to get their plan approved and operating.
- those receiving services that are adequate but not really suited to you, and you are having difficulty changing providers.
- you may also be experiencing relationship issues within you family or care network, and need support to resolve these and get things back on track.
We're here to help.
We are here to help you with these and any other issues you are experiencing.
The benefits of Mediation
The objective of early mediation is to seek resolution to disputes before they are escalated to more formal mechanisms or the courts. While not all disputes would warrant escalation, engaging with more formal mechanism or filing an application in the court is always a lengthy process and can be costly. There is also no guarantee how a case will be determined. It is therefore, in the parties' best interests, to take some control in the outcome of their disputes by engaging in the mediation process.
What are the NDIS funded reasonable and necessary reports?
View the NDIS video here.
Mediation as the Preferred Course of Action
Mediation is also the preferred course of action for most civil disputes prior to going to court.
According to the Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011, which commenced on 1 August 2011, parties are encouraged 'to take genuine steps to resolve a dispute before commencing certain legal proceedings in the Federal Court and Federal Circuit Court.
The objectives of the Act are to:
- ensure that, as far as possible, people take genuine steps to resolve disputes before certain civil proceedings are instituted
- promote a move away from an adversarial approach to litigation
- improve access to justice by encouraging early dispute resolution.'
https://www.ag.gov.au/LegalSystem/AlternateDisputeResolution/Pages/CivilDisputeResolutionAct2011.aspx
Our Approach
The Mediator preparation includes an initial discussion with all parties to gain a thorough history and understanding of the circumstances and the dispute. The Mediation process involves initial statements by the parties, clarifying issues, exploring solutions, separate sessions as required and negotiating a mutually agreeable outcome. This occurs in a climate of impartiality, guided listening and mutual respect.
Depending on the nature of the issue, a checklist of relevant determinants is also made available to the parties to ensure all factors are given consideration.
The ADR process empowers the parties' through the opportunity to be heard and have control over the outcome. In addition, valuable time, court and legal costs can be avoided.
Experience
During my 25 year career in the health field, I have worked in the disability sector assiting people with disabilities negotiate work and career plans. I have also worked as a consumer advisor in mental health. I have a sound understanding of the range of supports people need to live a truly quality life.
Getting in Touch
Feel free to call for a 30 min free no obligation discussion.