Melbourne East Disability Advocacy is a community program that began in 1981 as Citizen Advocacy Inner East and is managed by a volunteer committee of management, independent of government and the human services sector. It is solely funded at a federal level by the Department of Social Services (DSS)
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy is a not-for-profit community program that provides advocacy support to people with intellectual disability. Support is provided directly by our professional and paid staff. It may also be provided by volunteer citizen advocates where a person with intellectual disability is matched to a dedicated volunteer, called a ‘citizen advocate’.
There are similar programs throughout Australia including five programs in Victoria covering both metropolitan and rural areas. Our organisation provides services to the Boroondara, Monash, Manningham, Maroondah and Whitehorse municipalities in accordance with the National Standards for Disability Services. Click for more information on disability service standards.
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy is committed to standing up for the rights of people with intellectual disability. This includes people with intellectual disability who are also:
- Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander
- Part of the LGBTIQA+ community
- From a culturally diverse or non-english speaking background
Mission Statement
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy is dedicated to supporting, promoting and defending the rights of people who have an intellectual disability and to ensure that they are empowered to maximise their potential to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Values
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy Committee of Management, Staff and Volunteers uphold the following values:
Respect
We recognise each person’s individuality, acknowledge diversity and promote self determination.
Compassion
We care about the needs of others and acknowledge, accept and understand and have empathy for their circumstances.
Inclusiveness
We strive to empower consumers to contribute and participate in everyday decisions relating to their life.
Accountability
We respond to the needs and wishes of our consumers in an informed manner, without prejudice, uphold justice and accept responsibility.
Person Centred
Our relationships enable consumers to shape and lead their own lives and challenge the status quo.
Collaboration
Strategic Objectives
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy has adopted the following strategic objectives:
Maximisation & diversification of income & review expenditure
Continue to ensure the maximisation of income streams, review and consolidation of expenditure to minimise costs.
Attract, develop & retain skilled & experienced staff & volunteers to deliver high quality advocacy
MEDA will attract, develop and retain skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who will enact the organisations Vision, Mission, Values and Principles and assist in the delivery of high quality advocacy services to consumers.
MEDA is recognised as a leader in disability advocacy
Our MEDA identity, our vision, mission, values, core business and service model will be strengthened through the development and delivery of our unique model of person centred services.
Develop & build technical & digital capability & continuous quality improvement.
Develop and use of effective quality systems and processes.
Click to read about what we do.
Strategic Plan
Click to read MEDA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan