The Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC) supports the implementation of Victoria’s state disability plan.
It also advises the Minister about important reforms. These include:
- the Disability Royal Commission recommendations
- changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Foundational Supports including Thriving Kids.
Priorities for 2026
Systemic reforms
The council supports actions on the reform areas in the state disability plan. It does this by:
- improving co-design with people with disability by
- developing co-design advice and resources
- working with government to develop capacity.
- advocating for Aboriginal-self-determination
- promoting intersectional approaches to policy reform
- advising on accessible communications and universal design
- building an understanding of an inclusive workforce
- advocating for effective data and outcomes reporting.
Focus areas for 2026
The council provides advice on disability policy areas based on lived experience.
Planning and development of the next State Disability Plan
The council will contribute to the next state disability plan by:
- working with the department to develop the plan
- engaging with Victoria’s disability community.
Sports and recreation
The council will advise on disability inclusion in sports. Inclusion can mean playing sport or having an organising role.
Community attitudes regarding people with disability
The council will work to improve community attitudes towards people with disability.
Housing
The council will give advice on:
- disability housing
- rental rights
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
The council will have a member on the SDA renewal working group.
Thriving Kids program
The council will engage with the Thriving Kids program. This program will help children aged 8 and under. The program is for children with:
- developmental delay and/or autism
- low to moderate support needs.
Aboriginal self-determination
The council will listen to the voices of First Nations people with disability. Two members are First Nations women. They are Katrina Harrison and Kelly Ann Blake.
Family Violence and justice and safety
The council will give advice to government on disability justice, including with a gender lens.
It will advise on programs that:
- prevent and address family violence
- support women and children.
Accessible transport
The council will work with the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee. It will advise on accessible transport, including taxi and rideshare services.
Universal design
The council will help government adopt universal design principles in areas like:
- sport and recreation
- health infrastructure
- Victorian Government projects.
The council will advise government on accessible communications.
Health and wellbeing
The council will input into the Disability Liaison Officers program. This program is run by the Department of Health.
The council will inform mental health reforms by attending these working groups:
- the Mental Health Promotion Office Expert Advisory Committee
- the Mental Health Diverse Communities Working Group.
Key performance indicators for 2026
We will know we are succeeding when:
- we develop a co-design resource for the Victorian Public Sector
- the Victorian Disability Awards has a 25% increase in nominations
- we give advice in key reform areas as requested
- we contribute to and shape the next state disability plan.
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