Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service
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Interested in being an advocate or supporting BAASS?
We are always looking for passionate people to join our Advocacy Team and/or help BAASS to provide this crucial support.
If you are interested in advocacy and/or supporting us in any way, please contact us! You can find more information about volunteering with BAASS here.
Potential clients
So that we can support you, please:
*Read this Advocacy Information Form
*Complete a BAASS Advocacy Intake Form -the form is available to download further down the page.
*Email the completed Advocacy Intake Form to BAASS as soon as possible.
We can also email you the link or PDF/document; or copies are available at the BAASS Office on request (accessible by appointment).
Please contact us if you would like help with these.
BAASS Advocacy Information
The Bendigo Autistic Advocacy and Support Service (BAASS) Advocacy Team is passionate about and prioritises the protection of human rights, in particular those of disabled people.
BAASS uses Identity First language, therefore we use terms such as disabled and autistic.
We always respect each person's preferences about their own identity. We have some information about disability and identity first language here, and please ask if you would like more information.
Disabled people have the same rights as other people in our community. We have the right to freedom, respect, equality and dignity. We have the right to fulfil our own potential, to exercise control over our own lives, and to live free from abuse or neglect. As a minority, we are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, therefore specific laws are in place that protect our rights. These include:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2007
- Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
- Victorian Disability Act 2006
The BAASS Advocacy Team provide individual, community and systemic advocacy. This information is primarily about individual advocacy as relates to you.
The definition of disability advocacy, courtesy of DARU (Disability Advocacy Resource Unit) is:
"..acting, speaking or writing to promote, protect and defend human rights of people with disability. "
Disabled people have the same rights as other people in our community. We have the right to freedom, respect, equality and dignity. We have the right to fulfil our own potential, to exercise control over our own lives, and to live free from abuse or neglect. As a minority, we are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, therefore specific laws are in place that protect our rights. These include:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2007
- Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
- Victorian Disability Act 2006
Disability advocacy involves assisting people, families and communities in working with and ensuring fair treatment in accordance with human rights when dealing with:
*Government departments, disability services, other services and businesses
*at work, university, school or TAFE
*with accommodation, transport and access
*with legal, healthcare or money issues
*with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
*navigating supports and resources
BAASS is proactive in systemic advocacy. We collaborate with other autistic and disability organisations and work on policy and procedure change, inclusive communities and by providing education and professional development for all professional areas such as education/schools, medical, health and allied health professions etc.
BAASS Advocacy Team - Supporting you
By working with BAASS Advocacy services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- The BAASS Advocacy Team is a group of advocates that work together.
comprehensive and quality service possible.
This is so that we can:
-provide the highest quality service possible
-provide a range of skills, perspective and experience
-care for and protect the wellbeing of our Advocacy Team members
The current BAASS Advocacy Team members are Susanna, Roe and Sam.
You can find more information about members of the BAASS Team on our 'Meet the Team' page here.
- Contact
Please know we are very passionate about and committed to providing as inclusive and accessible a service as possible.
BAASS primarily corresponds via email and we also make every effort to meet up with people and families.
We operate on a voluntary basis and the nature of advocacy and consultancy means we are often in the community, attending meetings, running programs and so on. We do not make or receive phone calls regularly but may at times. We cannot assure we will be able to make contact via phone.
We cannot usually call on short notice or frequently but do try to make exception in cases of absolute urgency or out of necessity for whatever reason as per each Co-Convenor’s needs and schedules.
Please know that we welcome discussion around how we can best support you in a way that is as mutually beneficial as possible. BAASS Advocates also take and keep informal interaction notes relating to client interactions and meetings etc. Our informal interaction notes are for internal purposes only- unless otherwise negotiated or agreed.
This is essential for our provision of a quality, coordinated and consistent service and assists us in advocating for our clients.
All private information is subject to the highest standards of confidentiality as possible.
More information on the BAASS Privacy Confidentiality policy can be found here.
Please note whilst we make every effort possible to provide support for urgent and unexpected circumstances, this may not be possible due to our other clients, programs, families and commitments.
- BAASS Values and Mission.
- Privacy and Confidentiality
No information relating to our advocacy roles will be shared elsewhere without your written permission.
At times, other organisations or professionals may need to be involved with our advocacy work.
It is important to us that you understand the process and are consulted every step of the way.
We will always discuss this with you and seek your consent for the involvement of any other parties.
We offer advocacy services in line with BAASS Values, Mission and Code of Conduct which can be found here.
In ensuring the integrity and highest quality of service; BAASS advocates are mindful of maintaining ethical and professional practice of which minimising any conflicts of interest is integral.
In the case of any identified existing conflicts of interest, we will discuss the best options for you at the time and support you in how to proceed.
You can find more on our Management of Conflict of Interest Policy here.
We have many clients seeking our support and whilst we are passionate about and committed to our roles we also cannot fulfil our roles optimally without information and communication.
We value and respect the time of others and appreciate the same in return.
**Important**
BAASS receives some funding from Carer Support Services of Bendigo Health at times.
This can help with things such as: equipment, providing free or lower cost individual and community resources, programs and events.
As part of our funding agreement, some client details will be provided to CSS for funding purposes.
These details are subject to strict privacy legislation as well as BAASS and Bendigo Health Privacy Policies.
You can view the BAASS Privacy Policy which also includes links to relevant legislation and information here.
Please indicate in writing if you do not consent to us sharing these details.
- Cost
Most systemic advocacy is also volunteer based.
Consultancy, development of resources and training/workshops/presentations are on a fee-for-service basis. for groups/organisations/facilities.
Please contact us for more information.
- Ceasing Advocacy Services
-You advise us in writing that you no longer need our services
-We have contacted you twice or more, with no response within 7 days of last contact
-We have not heard from you in 12 months or longer
-We are unable to provide any aspect of the service/support you require
BAASS advocacy services may be revoked or refused at any time on the basis of relevant conflict of interest and/or BAASS Values.
- Re-engaging BAASS Advocacy
If you have worked with BAASS Advocates before and would like our support again, please email us.
To provide advocacy support, BAASS requires a completed Advocacy Intake Form for every client/family.
If you have previously provided a completed Advocacy Intake Form, this can be accepted to re-engage our support by:
-Reading the form to check the details
-Advising in writing that this form is still accurate, relevant and valid
Sometimes we may need you to complete a new Intake Form.
Please note that BAASS is not a legal firm and BAASS advocates are not lawyers. BAASS cannot provide legal advice.
We can provide you with options to seek legal advice and assistance should you require this.
Please contact us if you would like support or information.
BAASS Advocacy Intake Form is available to download here.
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