*No Longer Active*
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About us
The Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service (BAASS) believes that neurodivergence is a natural part of a diverse humanity. Autism is a genetic neurological difference, or disability. Disabilities involve significant challenges and unique positives. Our challenges are compounded by the barriers predominantly caused by ignorance, and lack of inclusion and acceptance. BAASS values each autistic person as unique and aims to support people to achieve and optimise their potential, growth and development; regardless of age, ability or economic status. Each person must have access to safe, meaningful and RESPECTFUL support with access to appropriate public and community services, individual supports and learning programs. Read more about our Values, Mission and Vision below. Our Code of Conduct is available below and numerous Position Statements can be found further below. |
Values
Our values drive our passion and practice. Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
Empowerment
Integrity
Respect
Passion
Inclusion
Collaboration
Our values drive our passion and practice. Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
Empowerment
Integrity
Respect
Passion
Inclusion
Collaboration
Mission
Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service (BAASS) is an Autistic founded, led and driven
not-for-profit organisation; the first of its kind in Australia.
We endeavor to EMPOWER autistic people, families and communities to optimise their potential through a passionate, professional and experience based service providing RESPECTFUL individual, family, community and systemic advocacy and support.
We will maintain INTEGRITY through RESPECT for people and differences, ongoing personal development in the form of education and mentoring in our areas of experience, and will approach this with enthusiasm and PASSION.
We are committed to providing services of a high standard in education and employment and support for family caregivers and professionals in COLLABORATION with our local and larger communities.
Vision
We are committed to Working towards an INCLUSIVE community of acceptance valuing diversity in all forms, whilst adhering to the neurodiversity paradigm.
Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service (BAASS) is an Autistic founded, led and driven
not-for-profit organisation; the first of its kind in Australia.
We endeavor to EMPOWER autistic people, families and communities to optimise their potential through a passionate, professional and experience based service providing RESPECTFUL individual, family, community and systemic advocacy and support.
We will maintain INTEGRITY through RESPECT for people and differences, ongoing personal development in the form of education and mentoring in our areas of experience, and will approach this with enthusiasm and PASSION.
We are committed to providing services of a high standard in education and employment and support for family caregivers and professionals in COLLABORATION with our local and larger communities.
Vision
We are committed to Working towards an INCLUSIVE community of acceptance valuing diversity in all forms, whilst adhering to the neurodiversity paradigm.
BAASS Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct
Read our Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct here.
Read our Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct here.
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BAASS Volunteers Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service (BAASS) values our volunteers and their contributions as an essential part of our team. We recognise and appreciate volunteer’s commitment in sharing expertise and time resource within BAASS values and towards goals making a difference in our community and beyond. All volunteers will be treated with respect and full recognition given for their contributions to BAASS work. We are committed to ensuring volunteers participate in BAASS related work that is safe, significant, fulfilling, and appreciated. |
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Passionate and dedicated Volunteers are very much wanted; to work with us in delivering programs and services within our community. Volunteering can include many further opportunities such as mentoring and potential paid positions.
If you can support us in any way and are interested in volunteering, please get in touch!
You can read more about volunteering with BAASS on our Volunteers page here.
If you can support us in any way and are interested in volunteering, please get in touch!
You can read more about volunteering with BAASS on our Volunteers page here.
BAASS Position Statements
In line with BAASS Values, we respect and acknowledge personal choice whilst remaining true to our values.
We reject pathologising and medicalisation of autism and embrace the neurodiversity paradigm.
We will remain transparent and practice in accordance with probity and commitment to ongoing evolution in knowledge and practice.
BAASS acknowledges and respects different experiences and opinions and are committed to providing a quality service for all. We reserve the right to refuse or remove our services on the basis of:
BAASS position on political neutrality.
BAASS does not align with any particular political party.
BAASS does not:
Endorse, promote or oppose political parties or candidates
Allow our premises, clients or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
Encourage or otherwise direct staff/volunteers, clients or other stakeholders towards any political preferences.
Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
BAASS does:
We reject pathologising and medicalisation of autism and embrace the neurodiversity paradigm.
We will remain transparent and practice in accordance with probity and commitment to ongoing evolution in knowledge and practice.
- We do not use or support the term 'disorder' in relation to autism which includes the use of 'ASD' in which the 'D' stands for 'disorder'
- We do not use or support functioning labels (high and low functioning) as these are inaccurate and harmful for autistic people
- We use identity first language in rejecting pathologising of autism and as preferred by the majority of the adult autistic community.
BAASS acknowledges and respects different experiences and opinions and are committed to providing a quality service for all. We reserve the right to refuse or remove our services on the basis of:
- Maintaining integrity in the event of conflict of interest or potential violation of BAASS values
- In protecting the individual safety and wellbeing of BAASS Co-Convenors, staff/volunteers, clients, community stakeholders and dynamics within groups pertaining to BAASS workshops/groups/events
- In maintaining work ethic and adherence to our Values, Mission, Policies and Procedures.
BAASS position on political neutrality.
BAASS does not align with any particular political party.
BAASS does not:
Endorse, promote or oppose political parties or candidates
Allow our premises, clients or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
Encourage or otherwise direct staff/volunteers, clients or other stakeholders towards any political preferences.
Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
BAASS does:
- Encourage staff/volunteers, clients, community and stakeholders in their role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
- Expect Co-Convenors, staff and volunteers to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that Co-Convenors, staff/volunteers, clients, community and stakeholders come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
- Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by BAASS.
- Reserve the right as an organisation to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that we believe have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the BAASS and all stakeholders.
