About the Aids and Equipment Action Alliance

Who We Are

A wide range of stakeholders have joined the Alliance, including people with a disability, advocacy organisations, community service organisations which support people with a disability, and representatives from key health and allied health providers.

Together, Alliance members will share knowledge and advocate to achieve increased investment in the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program and to promote greater choice and equity for people with a disability and their carers.

History of the Alliance

The Aids and Equipment Action Alliance was developed following joint work by the Association for Children with a Disability, Melbourne Citymission, Scope, and Disability Justice Advocacy, with involvement from Yooralla, to hold the Equipping Inclusion Forum in October 2006.

This initial group of organisations came together due to their shared concern about the high level of unmet need for aids and equipment in Victoria. Two research reports (one by Melbourne Citymission and one by Scope) were published to highlight these issues. The Equipping Inclusion Forum was held to explore policy options for an improved aids and equipment system and involved a very wide range of stakeholders from the disability sector, including people with a disability. The Forum coincided with the Victorian Government Review of the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program.

The Aids and Equipment Action Alliance was formed in response to the high level of interest expressed at the Forum. The Alliance aims to achieve real change around the provision of aids and equipment to people with a disability. It is expected that the Alliance will have a long-term advocacy role on a range of issues including investment, systemic improvements, and mechanisms for promoting choice and control for people with disabilities.