Frequently asked questions

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We get lots of enquiries from people and organisations about various aspects of our work. Many of these are the same kind of enquiry. So we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to give you a short cut to some of the information you many be seeking.

What is PWDA?

People with Disability Australia (PWDA):

  • is a national disability rights and advocacy organisation;
  • is made up of people with disability and organisations primarily constituted by people with disability;
  • has a cross-disability focus; and
  • is a non-profit, non-government organisation

You can read more about us here. You can also read about us in Easy English.

How do I join PWDA?

You can join PWDA by filling out a membership application on our website, or by filling out an application form either physically or digitally and sending it to us by post or email. You can learn more about membership here.

Can you help me with a disability-related problem?

We can assist people with disability on a range of issues. Currently, we are funded to provide some of these services to Queensland and New South Wales only, while others are available to people with disability across Australia.

I want to appeal an NDIS decision and I don’t know where to start.

We can now support people living in certain areas to appeal a decision made by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). We also periodically run information sessions across Queensland and New South Wales.

Does PWDA offer a newsletter? How can I stay up to date with your work?

PWDA publishes a fortnightly newsletter, PWDA News, and a Weekly Media Round-Up with the latest disability headlines for the week. Subscribe here to get them in your inbox.

You can also follow us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

I am a student doing an assignment on a disability-related topic. Can you help me with my assignment?

We encourage students to make full use of our website to address assignments relating to disability. In particular, the Disability Information page is designed for anyone seeking information about disability, the disability rights movement and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). You can find everything formerly in our Student Section there, including our Language Guide and an explanation of the social model of disability.

You may also find relevant information in the News section of this website.

I have a legal matter relating to my disability. Can PWDA provide any advice or support?

PWDA cannot provide any legal advice or information. You can get free legal advice from the Australian Centre for Disability Law – here are their contact details.

PWDA might be able to provide some advocacy support.

How can I get a Qantas Carer Concession Card?

You can read about the Qantas Carer Concession Card here, as well as download an application form. For any queries, please call 1800 422 015 or email qccc@pwd.org.au.

What do you think about plastic straws, or something else that’s been in the news lately?

You can check out our Issue and Positions page and our recent media releases to find out if we’ve made any statements about matters of public discourse.

I’m planning to come to Australia for work, study or on holiday. What disability services can I access?

You may want to check out the National Ethnic Disability Alliance, as well as their local member organisations in the state you are moving to.

If an employer or university is involved with your travel, they should have specific information for people with disability – check their website or ask your contact person for this trip.

For general information, international students should look at this Australian Government list of support services for students, as well as further useful links from the Independent Living Institute.

What is the best way to contact PWDA?

Find all our contact details here!

How can I make a complaint about PWDA or a PWDA staff member?

Do you have a complaint about our services or our work? We would be happy to hear from you. Your feedback will help us to make our services better.

You can make your complaint through our online feedback form here.

To find out more about how we handle complaints, you can also download our Compliments, complaints and feedback policy here: PDF | Easy Read

How I could get a job at PWDA? I feel passionate about your service and have lots of experience of disability.

Our latest employment opportunities are always advertised on our Employment page. We usually also announce available jobs on social media (FacebookTwitter) and in our newsletter.

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