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Intellectual disability and the law

There are many degrees of intellectual disability. The definitions and accepted diagnostic test for determining whether or not a person has an intellectual disability are explained along with key legislation. It is vital that each person’s case be assessed individually, and that the views of the person who has an intellectual disability always be sought, taken into account and, wherever possible, acted upon. All people with Autism Spectrum Disorders can now be considered for disability services.

Intellectual disability and the law
Contributor

Naomi Anderson

Principal Solicitor, Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service

Intellectual disability and the law: Contacts

Non-legal advocacy

Independent Family Advocacy and Support (IFAS)
Web: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/independent-family-advocacy-and-support

IFAS is a service that provides non-legal advocacy and support to parents and primary carers who are involved in the child protection system at the early stages.

Positive Powerful Parents Victoria
Web: https://www.voicestogether.com.au/self-advocates/find-group/vic/positive-powerful-parents-victoria/

Positive Powerful Parents is a self-advocacy group run by and for parents with an intellectual disability.

Reinforce Self Advocacy
Tel: 9650 7855
Email: info@reinforce.org.au
Web: https://reinforce.org.au

Reinforce is a self-advocacy organisation for people with an intellectual disability.

VALID
Tel: 9416 4003
Web: https://www.valid.org.au

VALID advocates for people with disability in Victoria.

Contracts and consumer issues

Consumer Action Law Centre
Tel (legal advice line): 1800 466 477 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 1pm)
Web: https://consumeraction.org.au 

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
Tel: 1300 558 181
Web: www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Guardianship and administration

Office of the Public Advocate
Tel: 1300 309 337
Email: opa_advice@justice.vic.gov.au
Web: www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Legal assistance

Victoria Legal Aid
Tel: 1300 792 387
Web: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au 

Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service Inc.
Tel (admin): 5227 3338
Tel (legal advice): 1800 014 111 (Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 3 pm)
Email: legal@villamanta.org.au
Web: https://villamanta.org.au

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Disability, mental illness and the law