Children with Disability Australia (CDA) is the national peak body which represents children and young people with disability and their families. The organisation represents children and young people aged 0-25 as an advocacy body with the mandate of building respect, recognition and inclusion for kids with disability. It is primarily funded through the Department of Families, Housing, Communities and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). CDA is a non-profit, community-based organisation. The organisation works alongside families of children and young people with disability.
CDA is extremely passionate about providing a bigger voice for kids with disability in the Australian community. We provide a link between the direct experiences of children with disability and their families to federal government and other key stakeholders. This link is viewed as essential for the creation of a true appreciation of the experiences and challenges that make up the lives of children with disability and their families. The organisation has approximately 5000 members nationally, the majority being families (70%). MEMBERSHIP IS FREE FOR FAMILIES.
Children with Disability Australia believes that children with disability should have opportunities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives within safe, supportive and appropriate environments.
Children with Disability Australia works to achieve these aims by:
- Educating national public policy-makers and the broader community about the needs of children with disability and their families.
- Advocating on behalf of children with disability to ensure individual choices and the best possible support and services are available to them from government and the community.
- Informing families about the rights and entitlements of the child with disability to services and support.
- Celebrating the successes and achievements of children with disability.
Education is one of the most significant issues of concern for children with disability and their families. Many families of children with disability report that, through their educational experiences, their children are subjected to limited opportunities, low expectations, exclusion, bullying, discrimination, assault and violation of human rights. The present system is not adequately meeting the educational needs of many children with disability.