A young man in blue scrubs looking at a tablet in a hospital or medical setting with two other medical staff blurred in the background.

ABOUT US

Action for People with Disability Inc (ACTION) has been providing independent, individual advocacy for people with disability living across the northern region of Sydney since 1978. Established by a group of parents determined to create better opportunities and outcomes for their children with disability, ACTION was built on the belief that every person deserves to be heard, respected, and supported to exercise their rights.

More than 45 years later, that same community-driven spirit and commitment to lived experience continues to shape everything we do.

ACTION is funded by the NSW Government through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP), and also receives funding from the Department of Social Services to provide advocacy for people accessing the iCare Lifetime Care program.

Over the years, ACTION has developed extensive experience supporting and advocating for people with disability within our local community. We work alongside individuals and families to navigate complex systems, uphold rights, and ensure people have access to the support, information, and opportunities they need to live the life they choose.

A collage of images showing protests and group gatherings. The top part shows a black-and-white photo of a disability protest with people holding signs that read "More community services," "Action for citizens with disabilities," "Listen to us," and others. The right side has a newspaper clipping titled "Disabled protest" with people holding signs and in wheelchairs. The bottom left features a color photo of three women smiling and waving, dressed in colorful clothing. The bottom center has a smaller black-and-white photo of a woman in front of curtains and a man with glasses.
Collage of multiple group photos and event scenes featuring diverse people at conferences, meetings, and outdoor gatherings.

A history of ACTION

Action for People with Disability (ACTION) was founded in 1978 by people with disability and their families who recognised the need for a stronger collective voice on the rights, inclusion and quality of life of people with disability.

As one of NSW’s first regional disability advocacy organisations, ACTION has grown alongside the broader disability rights movement. From its beginnings, ACTION has stood beside people with disability and worked collaboratively with families, community organisations, advocacy organisations and governments to address barriers, influence policy and strengthen the systems that affect people’s lives.

Over more than four decades, ACTION has provided independent individual across issues including housing, education, health, employment, justice, social security, accommodation, guardianship, community inclusion and human rights. Our advocacy has made a difference to many people’s lives and has contributed to important changes in services and policies, including the transition of people from institutions into community living, the development of more individualised accommodation, improved education supports and stronger safeguards for people with disability.

ACTION has also contributed to inquiries, government reviews and parliamentary processes, sharing the experiences and expertise gained through our work with individuals and families. We have supported the development of other advocacy organisations and worked alongside statewide and regional disability coalitions on issues affecting the broader community.

Today, ACTION continues this work from our office in St Ives. Our approach remains grounded in independence, human rights and the belief that people with disability should have genuine choice, voice and control in their lives.

We are proud of our history and of the relationships built across the disability sector and the people we have supported over nearly 50 years. We continue to work alongside the disability community towards a more inclusive and equitable community.

A young man with a red beanie and a young woman in a pink sweater are sitting on a park bench outdoors, looking at a laptop and a notebook together. An electric wheelchair is beside them.

Our Mission

Action for People with Disability Inc (ACTION) exists to advance the rights of people with disability in Northern Sydney and surrounding regions.

Our mission is to provide independent, rights-based individual disability advocacy that empowers people with disability to exercise their rights, make informed decisions, and access the services and supports they require to fully participate in community life.

ACTION's work is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly the rights to equality and non-discrimination, autonomy and independence, full inclusion and participation in society, and access to justice.

Established in 1978, ACTION operates as an independent, community-led organisation governed by people with disability and their families.

We are committed to upholding the UNCRPD as the foundational framework for all advocacy we undertake on behalf of the people we serve.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Cover of an annual report for 2025 by Action for People with Disability, featuring photos of diverse individuals engaging in activities such as playing guitar, working on a laptop, and enjoying outdoor time.
Cover of the 2024 annual report for an organization supporting people with disabilities. The cover features numerous colorful paper cut-out hands reaching toward the center, where there is an illustration of the Earth. The title includes 'ACTION' and mentions promoting, protecting, and upholding the rights of people with disabilities since 1978.
Cover of a report titled 'ACTION for People with Disability 2023 Annual Report' with photos of diverse people, including a woman with gray hair and a woman with dark hair hugging, a group of people smiling outdoors, and a man in a blue shirt working in a workshop.
Close-up of a design with white, yellow, and black curved shapes.
Cover of the 2022 Action for People with Disability annual report, featuring abstract blue and white shapes on a yellow background with the title and year.