4 March 2026
Blind Citizens Australia is calling on the government to provide full and sustainable funding for specialist individual advocacy services for Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
With a membership base exceeding 3,000 and more than half a million Australians affected by vision loss, the demand for individualised support has far outstripped available resources.
Current funding levels are insufficient, and delays in advocacy risk leaving vulnerable Australians without important support that safeguards their independence and wellbeing.
“Access to specialised advocacy at the right time can be life-changing,” BCA CEO Deb Deshayes said.
“People who are blind or vision impaired face barriers that are unique to their circumstances, and having a dedicated advocate with lived experience allows us to respond in a meaningful, personalised way.
“Failing to provide this advocacy forces people to navigate complex and often overwhelming systems alone, causing intense stress at a time when they most need support.”
Recently, Blind Citizens Australia responded to the Australian Government’s consultation on the proposed Commonwealth Individual Disability Advocacy Program. Our submission emphasised the need to fund disability-specific organisations serving specialised groups, including Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
We also highlighted the importance of advocates with specialist lived and technical expertise and the need for advocacy models that support consolidated referral pathways and systemic advocacy, improving efficiency for both individuals and the government.
Martin Stewart, BCA National Advocacy Officer, has closed over 500 individual advocacy cases in his career and understands firsthand how much of a difference timely advocacy can make in people’s lives.
“Each case represents a person whose life is strengthened by specialised support. Our advocacy restores confidence and gives people the tools to thrive,” Stewart said.
“Without it, many face unnecessary setbacks that affect their confidence and quality of life.”
Guide Dogs Australia, a primary service provider, highlights the critical gap filled by BCA.
“Guide Dogs Australia regularly refers clients to Blind Citizens Australia when they need individual advocacy support. Their specialist knowledge and lived experience mean people receive advice and representation that truly understands the realities of blindness or vision impairment,” Guide Dogs Australia National Advocacy and Policy Manager Lee Kumutat said.
“Continued investment in specialist advocacy strengthens outcomes for the people we collectively serve.”
Media Contact:
Amila Dedovic – Communications Coordinator
amila.dedovic@bca.org.au
0403 967 406