About Us

MDAA’s Vision

A society where everyone, regardless of background or disability, feels welcome, included and supported.

Who we are

MDAA aims to promote, protect and secure the rights and interests of people with disability, with particular focus on Culturally, Linguistically and Diverse CALD / NESB (Non English Speaking Backgrounds).MDAA views culture and disability through the lens of diversity. We see diversity as strength and we promote this view in all our work.

Our three year Strategic Directions 2019-2022 will focus on three major goals. MDAA’s goals and measure are set out in the Strategic Directions document which is on our website. The major goals are:

 Empowered People and Communities
 Caring, Strong and Innovative Leadership and Workforce
 Sustainable and Dynamic Organisation

MDAA works towards achieving these goals through Systemic and Individual Advocacy, Advocacy Development, Capacity Building and Networking, Industry Development and Training.

MDAA has seven offices: MDAA Granville (Head Office), MDAA City and Inner West, MDAA South East Sydney, MDAA Bega, MDAA Griffith, MDAA Newcastle and MDAA Wollongong.

Our Goals/Values

MDAA works to:

• Promote the rights of people from NES/CALD background with disability, their families and carers in NSW and make sure their rights are safe and protected
• Get fair access to, and good results from, government and non-government services for people from NES/CALD background with disability and their families and carers in NSW
• Improve the quality of life for people from NES/CALD background with disability and their families and carers
• Increase the participation of people from NES/CALD backgound with disability and their families and carers in community activities

History of MDAA

In 1992, the Ethnic People with Disabilities Program (EPDP) of the Ethnic Child Care Family and Community Services Co-operative (ECCF&CS) initiated a forum, “Lets Speak Out Together” which brought together people from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) with disability and their families/carers; ethnic, disability and generic service providers and Government representatives. A major recommendation made by the Forum was to seek appropriate funds in order to establish a state-wide advocacy service. The need for individual advocacy results from the absence of adequate information and knowledge of people from NESB with disability and their families about the human service systems due to language and cultural barriers. Additionally, the impetus for Individual Advocacy in MDAA is based on the existence of a group of people who are disadvantaged. An application for incorporation was lodged and accepted by the Department of Consumer Affairs on 5 September 1995 and Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA) of NSW was formally established and became an independent organisation.

In 2015 MDAA celebrated its 20th year anniversary.

To read more..   20 Year History of MDAA booklet

MDAA’s Patron

Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon and a clinical lecturer at Macquarie University and the Australian School of Advanced Medicine. He specialises in hip, knee, trauma and Osseo integration surgery. As well as being an internationally respected surgeon and humanitarian, he has helped many amputees regain their mobility. The Professor is a pioneer towards ensuring and environment where people with disability are independent and enjoy the same rights.

MDAA appreciates his commitment and we are privileged to have him as our Patron.