Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW Inc. (MDAA) Strategic Directions 2010-2015 Introduction MDAA has been a strong voice for people from non-English speaking backgrounds with disability, their families and carers in NSW. MDAA is the auspice agency for City and Inner West Disability Advocacy, South East Advocacy, and South East Sydney Advocacy. These local services provide individual advocacy for people from diverse backgrounds (including English speaking and Indigenous backgrounds) with disability. Our Vision is a society where everyone, regardless of background or disability, feels welcome, included and supported. MDAA views culture and disability through the lens of diversity. We see diversity as a strength and we promote this view in all our work. We want to make our vision a reality. Over the next five years we will be focussing on three major goals set out in this Strategic Directions document. The details of how we will achieve these goals and measure our success will be set out in the Strategic Plan. The major goals are Empowered People, Leading Change and Strengthening MDAA. MDAA works towards achieving these goals through Systemic and Individual Advocacy, Capacity Building and Networking, Industry Development and Training. Acknowledgments On behalf of the Committee of MDAA I would like to thank the members, consumers, staff and external stakeholders for their invaluable contributions. They showed a strong commitment to the rights of people from diverse backgrounds with disability. They were generous with their time and creative ideas throughout the consultation process. This document reflects the passion of those who support MDAA’s vision and are determined to make this vision a reality. The goals and strategies in this document set out the broad directions which flowed from the various workshops, focus groups, surveys and interviews. This document is a starting point. There is still a lot of work to be done to plan and deliver what we want to achieve for people from diverse backgrounds with disability. We look forward to everyone’s continued support. Finally, a special thanks to the consultants from WestWood Spice, Alison Plant and Margaret Scott, for facilitating this process on our behalf. Rachel Lazarov MDAA Chairperson Our Strategic Directions 2010-2015 Empowered People Individuals in control of their lives . Support people from diverse backgrounds with disability to speak up for their rights. . Develop the self confidence and skills of people from diverse backgrounds with disability to lobby and self advocate to get what they need. . Grow the skills and knowledge of people from diverse backgrounds with disability from newly emerging communities. Connection and involvement . Support people from diverse backgrounds with disability to be connected and involved in their communities. Participation and social change . Assist communities to gain the skills and information they need to bring about positive social change. Leading Change Advocate for social justice . Remove barriers to equal participation for people from non-English speaking backgrounds with disability. . Create partnerships that strengthen the voice for justice and inclusion. . Raise awareness of the rights and needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds with disability. Develop cultural competency . Create responsive, equitable and skilled services. Research for inclusion . Develop innovative research that improves the lives of people from non-English speaking backgrounds with disability. Strengthening MDAA Active membership . Create opportunities for member engagement and activism. Quality and achievement . Continue to develop a professional workforce within a productive environment. . Continue to develop the skills and structures for excellent governance. . Ensure quality, accountability, and continuous improvement to strengthen MDAA and its services. Greening MDAA . Create a sustainable and environmentally friendly workplace. Head Office 40 Albion Street PO Box 9381 Harris Park NSW 2150 Phone: (02) 9891 6400 Toll Free: 1800 629 072 Fax: (02) 9635 5355 TTY: (02) 9687 6325 mdaa@mdaa.org.au Griffith 6/26 Ulong Street PO Box 491 Grith NSW 2680 Phone: (02) 6962 5399 Fax: (02) 6962 5399 mdaa.grith@mdaa.org.au Newcastle Suite 3/Level 1, 408 King Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Phone: (02) 4927 0111 Fax: (02) 4927 0114 mdaa@da.org.au Wollongong Suite 5, Level 4, 166 Keira Street PO Box 927 Wollongong NSW 2520 Phone: (02) 4226 9971 Fax: (02) 4226 9979 wollongong@mdaa.org.au MDAA also auspices these services: City and Inner West Disability Advocacy (CIWDA) Suite 8 , Level 1, 330 Wattle Street Ultimo NSW 2007 Phone: (02) 9281 8699 Fax: (02) 9211 1366 ciwda@mdaa.org.au South East Advocacy (SEA) 101-103 Bega Street PO Box 860 Bega NSW 2550 Phone: (02) 6492 0200 Fax: (02) 6492 2722 sea@mdaa.org.au South East Sydney Advocacy (SESA) Level 1, 564 Princes Hwy Rockdale NSW 2216 Phone: (02) 9597 9970 Fax: (02) 9597 9901 sesa@mdaa.org.au mdaa cultural abilities is a registered training organisation Contact Head Office for information Website: www.mdaa.org.au MDAA gratefully acknowledges funding provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Aairs, as well as Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW.