Access & Advocacy Disability Program
Why We Created The Access & Advocacy Disability Program
Our founder, Sumaya, intimately understands the added layers of struggle that come with disability. Her own journey, fleeing violence with her very young children, included navigating life with disability and a child who also has a disability. She experienced firsthand not only the immediate crises but also the profound systemic barriers: the lack of understanding, the inaccessible pathways, and the inherent stigma that can often make seeking support an isolating battle. Sumaya found herself fighting not just for safety and housing, but for her child’s right to access services, inclusion, and dignity. This deeply personal struggle against inaccessible systems and pervasive stigma ignited a powerful determination. She transformed her fight into a mission: to ensure no person living with a disability, especially women and children, faces these battles alone.
Who We Help
The Access & Advocacy Disability Program is dedicated to individuals living with disabilities, and their families or carers, who are facing barriers to access, systemic discrimination, or stigma. We particularly focus on those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Muslim communities across Australia, recognising the unique cultural and linguistic nuances that can further complicate their journey for support and inclusion.
What The Program Offers
We provide comprehensive support and passionate advocacy to champion the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities:
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Awareness & Stigma Removal
We actively raise community awareness to challenge misconceptions and dismantle the stigma surrounding disability, fostering a more understanding and inclusive society.
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Accessibility Solutions
We advocate for improved physical and systemic accessibility across various services and public spaces, ensuring equal opportunities for participation.
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Independent Advocacy
Our team provides direct, independent advocacy to help individuals and families navigate complex systems such as the NDIS, appealing a decision or access appropriate services, and ensure their voices are heard and respected.
Eligibility & Application Process
Looking for support with disability access or advocacy? Our application process is handled with complete confidentiality by our Salams Rehabilitation team. We assess each situation carefully to tailor the most effective support for you.
Need Help?
If you’re living with a disability and facing barriers to access or support, apply to the Access & Advocacy Disability Program. Our team offers confidential, compassionate, and culturally sensitive assistance. You don’t have to face this alone.
Become a partner with us!
The Salams Foundation’s “Access & Advocacy Disability Program” is strengthened by the support of our incredible partners. If you’re an individual, company, business, service provider, or organisation, we invite you to collaborate with us in two meaningful ways:
Become a Program Partner:
Your financial support directly fuels the “Access & Advocacy Disability Program,” enabling us to run awareness campaigns, advocate for accessibility, and provide crucial independent advocacy services. You can contribute through general donations (Sadaqah) or by utilising your Zakat.
Become a Service Partner:
Do you offer services or expertise that can improve accessibility, provide specialist disability support, or assist in advocacy? We welcome partnerships with legal firms, accessibility consultants, community groups, or specialist care providers. Your contribution can provide invaluable tools for empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive Australia.
Join Salams Foundation Now
Join us in transforming lives. Become a partner in the Access & Advocacy Disability Program and help promote inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.