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Disability Advocacy Future Programs
NSW PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS with disability, and their families, are set to receive continued support through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP), with funding extended for an additional two years.
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS & CARERS WHEN WORKING WITH ADVOCATES
• WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE ADVOCATE AND SCHOOL
The DAFP is designed to foster collaboration between families, schools and advocates. Share your insights and goals with your advocate and stay open to their suggestions to achieve the best outcomes for your child.
• BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS
Clearly communicate your child’s strengths, challenges and support needs. Providing specific examples can help your advocate and school understand your child’s needs and work towards practical solutions.
• ASK QUESTIONS
If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. Advocacy is a learning process and understanding the steps and decisions along the way empowers you to contribute to the outcomes.
• USE DAFP AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
The DAFP aims to empower parents and carers to effectively self-advocate in the future. Take note of strategies and approaches used by the advocate so you can feel more confident handling similar situations in the future.
KEY BENEFITS FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
• EXTENDED SUPPORT:
The extended DAFP funding ensures ongoing individual advocacy for students with disabilities and their families who attend or wish to attend NSW public schools.
• DIVERSE SERVICES:
The program includes state-wide services for students from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• ADVOCACY SUPPORT: Independent advocates act as an intermediary between the school and family.
• EQUITABLE OUTCOMES: Reaffirms the department’s commitment to advancing equitable outcomes, opportunities, and experiences for students and families.
For more information, contact: dafp@det.nsw.edu.au
P&Cs AS ADVOCATES FOR EVERY CHILD AND PARENT IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
A strong, engaged P&C can ensure the voices of parents and students are heard, shaping the culture and driving initiatives that reflect the needs of the entire school community. P&Cs can use their unique position to champion inclusion, equity, and support for all by:
1. REPRESENTING EVERY FAMILY’S NEEDS
P&Cs should work to ensure that every parent— regardless of background, culture, or circumstance—feels represented and valued. Actively seeking diverse voices, inviting feedback through surveys, and maintaining open communication channels are great ways to identify what families truly need from their school.
2. ADVOCATING FOR INCLUSIVE POLICIES
From supporting students with disabilities to ensuring culturally inclusive events, P&Cs can push for policies that make schools more welcoming and accessible for all. By working alongside school leadership, the P&C can drive changes that promote a genuinely inclusive environment. P&Cs have sought knowledge from specialist groups and experts, organised speakers at P&C meetings to inform their membership on key topics, and started Inclusion Subcommittees to support their advocacy efforts.
3. CREATING COMMUNITY-CENTERED INITIATIVES
A thriving school community reflects the interests, cultures, and aspirations of its families. P&Cs can take the lead in organising events that celebrate diversity, providing translation services for non-English speaking parents, and advocating for programs that benefit underrepresented groups. Hosting cultural festivals, family support programs, and student mentorship initiatives can help strengthen school-community bonds.
4. KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED AND EMPOWERED
An informed parent body is an empowered one. P&Cs can ensure parents are up to date on school decisions, educational reforms, and student wellbeing initiatives. Hosting information sessions, sending newsletters, and using social media can help bridge gaps in communication and encourage more parents to get involved in advocacy efforts. Consider sharing this journal and emailed Bulletins from the P&C Federation and encouraging parents to join our Parent Voice initiative.
5. ENCOURAGING OPEN DIALOGUE AND PARTICIPATION
A truly inclusive school environment starts with conversation. Creating safe spaces for parents to share their concerns, holding regular community forums, and fostering open discussions with school leadership ensures that no family feels unheard or isolated.
Final Thoughts
By advocating for every child and family, P&Cs play a crucial role in shaping school communities that are equitable, inclusive, and supportive. Whether it’s pushing for resources, celebrating diversity, or ensuring every voice is heard, the P&C is a powerful force for positive change. Let’s work together to make our schools places where every child—and every parent—feels they belong!
NSW Department of Education
