Students with disability: a GP’s role in advocacy
23 Jul 2025
GPs and healthcare providers can help advocate for students and others with disability. As a GP or heathcare provider you are often a trusted first point of contact for families.
If you are supporting a student with disability who is experiencing barriers at school, you can assist them by playing a vital role in connecting families with free advocacy support. Advocacy can help families and students navigate education systems, secure supports and protect their rights.
People with Disability Australia offers free advocacy for students with disability in NSW Government schools regardless of National Disability Insurance Scheme or Disability Support Pension status. Refer families today:
Phone: 1800 422 015
Email: pwd@pwd.org.au
Learn how PWDA supports students with disability in NSW Government schools.
For more information, visit People with Disability Australia (PWDA) National disability rights and advocacy organisation, providing free support across NSW.
- Supporting Students with Disability – PWDA
Information on how to refer students and families for free advocacy in NSW Government schools. - Individual Advocacy – PWDA
One-on-one support to help people with disability understand their rights and resolve issues. - Disability Advocacy Futures Program
NSW Government-funded program supporting a range of disability advocacy services, including PWDA.
Other disability advocacy services
- Disability Advocacy Finder
Helps people with disability understand their rights, resolve issues and take part fully in the community. - ADACAS
Provides support to people with disability dealing with issues related to government or government-funded services. - Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association
Specialises in advocacy for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.