Regional Information and Advocacy Council Inc.

RIAC
The Regional Information & Advocacy Council
is an association of self help groups,
individuals with disabilities,
carers and family members of people with disabilities.

The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments and Disability Rights Victoria fund
the Regional Information and Advocacy Council (RIAC) to provide an independent
Advocacy Service in the following areas:
* LODDON MALLEE REGION
* GOULBURN VALLEY REGION

Advocacy is:
Speaking out on an issue, speaking up for yourself, or for someone else.
Some people are able to do this more effectively than others are, therefore the RIAC can assist those who need support.
Advocacy involves seeking a solution and on behalf of people with disabilities.

The RIAC employs skilled workers who are experienced in advocating on behalf of people with disabilities.
The service aims to: Resolve problems affecting individuals with disabilities.

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INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY
RIAC offers this service on request to:
People with acquired brain injury and people with physical, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric, psychological or multi disabilities.

RIAC endeavours to obtain positive outcomes by:
*Providing individuals with information and support
*Referral to appropriate services
*Making representation to service providers
*Taking issues to government departments and Ministers
*Instigating proceedings in the Equal Opportunity Commission
*Referral to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal where necessary
*Other steps deemed necessary
*The RIAC will endeavour to provide information in other languages or formats if requested

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SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY
Service planning and development
The RIAC is involved at a Regional, State and National level to ensure people with disabilities living in rural areas have a say in service planning and development.
RIAC representatives participate in ongoing consultation with service providers, government departments and Ministers and sit on advisory and management committees.

Areas of Ongoing consultation include:
*Home and Community Care Services
*Housing
*Education
*Transport
*Aids/Equipment
*Living Supports/Attended Care

RIAC representatives are members of:
*Regional Advisory Committees
*Committees of Management of disability service organisations
*Local Government Advisory Committees
*Regional Victoria Rural Disability Association
*Advocacy Victoria

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION
The RIAC conducts a regional community education service with the aim of promoting the positive aspects of people with disabilities living in the community.

Community Education Includes:
*Conducting workshops on disability issues
*Lecturing at TAFE Colleges
*Writing articles for the news media.

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SUPPORT
The RIAC offers support to existing self help groups and assists in the establishment of new groups in the region.

Support includes:
*Providing information and advice
*Assist with submission writing
*Identifying issues
*Assist with conducting seminars and workshops

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