Other government disability services and programs

The Australian Government has a range of programs and services to make sure people with disability have equal opportunity. This includes advocacy, day programs, language and support services.

National Disability Advocacy Program

The National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) can help you get free support to protect your rights as a person with disability. An NDAP agency can speak, act or write for you to make sure your needs are met.

For more information:

• visit the Department of Social Services NDAP page
• email disabilityadvocacy@dss.gov.au
• use the ‘Ask Izzy’ website to find a disability advocate near you.

National Relay Service

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you. The NRS lets you communicate with a hearing person using a phone. Depending on the type of call, a Relay Officer will help communication using voice, text or AUSLAN.

For more information:  

• visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website or
• contact one of the 24-hour relay call numbers – Voice relay number 1300 555 727, TTY number 133 677 or SMS relay number 0423 677 767.

Day options or day programs

Day options or day programs give adults with disability the chance to learn news kills and feel part of their local community. Contact your state or territory government for more information:

ACT

• Website: www.communityservices.act.gov.au
• Telephone: 02 6207 1086

NSW

• Website: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/coniston/service-and-support-for-older-people,-people-with-a-disability-and-their-families-and-carers
• Telephone: 1300 555 727

NT

• Website: https://health.nt.gov.au/
• Telephone: 08 899 2400

Qld

• Website: www.qld.gov.au/disability
• Telephone: 13 74 68

SA

For more information about programs in South Australia, please contact the NDIS:

• Website: www.ndis.gov.au/contact
• Telephone: 1800 800 110
• Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Tas

• Website: www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
• Telephone: 1300 135 513

Vic

• Website: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/department-of-health-and-human-services
• Telephone: 1800 783 783

WA

• Fax: 08 9226 2306
• Telephone: 08 9426 9200 or 1800 998 214 (free call)
• TTY:  08 9426 9315
• Email: dsc@dsc.wa.gov.au

• Address:
  Department of Communities, Disability Services
  146–160 Colin Street
  West Perth
  WA 6005

  PO Box 44
  West Perth
  WA 6872

Hearing Services Program

If you need help with the cost of hearing services, the Australian Government Hearing Services Program may be able to help you. These services include:

• hearing assessments
• subsidised devices, such as hearing aids
• ongoing support and maintenance for your device
• rehabilitation services
• annual reviews. 

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible, visit the Hearing Services Program website.

Mail for the blind

If you’re blind or vision impaired, Australia Post may deliver some items for free or at a discount. For more information, visit the Australia Post Mail for the blind page.