At the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA), we know that navigating public access rights and funding systems as an assistance animal handler can be overwhelming, exhausting, and, too often, unfair.
That’s why we’re working behind the scenes to build a dedicated individual advocacy service—designed by and for people who live and work with assistance animals.
What’s Coming
Our upcoming Individual Advocacy service will offer tailored, person-centred support for individuals facing barriers related to:
- Funding options for assistance animal purchase, training and ongoing care, including exploring and applying for options such as:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Aged Care
- Veterans Services
- Insurance Schemes, such as Workers Compensation
- Government, Philanthropic and Charitable Grants
- Victims Support
- Centrelink Payments for the Handler
- Public access refusal and discrimination, and support to advocate for your rights in all areas, but especially related to the:
- Australian Human Rights Commission, or state/territory counterparts
- Housing and accommodation
- Public transport including airline travel
- Education including schools and universities
- Support with submission documents to government consultation periods
- Policy confusion or bureaucratic hurdles that delay or deny essential supports
This service will be free, peer-informed, and Australia-wide—with a special focus on reaching assistance animal handlers who are often excluded from formal advocacy or support systems, including people who are:
- Rural, remote, or regionally based
- From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Neurodivergent, multiply disabled, or with progressive conditions
- Living in poverty, crisis, or unstable housing
What You Can Expect
We’re currently developing a trusted national network of peer advocates with lived experience of assistance animals and disability systems. Our approach will be:
- Supportive and empowering – We stand beside you, not in front of you.
- Confidential and rights-based – Your information is safe, and your rights come first.
- Flexible and accessible – We’ll meet you where you are, in the way that works best for you.
- Informed and strategic – We draw on current law, policy, and real-world experience to get results.
We will also provide referrals to formal legal advocacy services where needed, and collaborate with disability advocacy organisations to ensure systemic issues are escalated.
Why It Matters
Too many people are turned away, silenced, or left behind—simply because their assistance animal doesn’t fit outdated models or their needs aren’t “standard enough.” Others are forced to fight discrimination or navigate the NDIS without support, often while managing complex disability, trauma, or poverty.
WAFA believes no one should have to go it alone.
Our advocacy service will help you feel seen, heard, and backed up—whether you’re writing a letter to the NDIS, responding to an access complaint, or just trying to understand your rights.
We’re finalising the design of this service and preparing to launch.
To be the first to hear when it goes live or to help us co-design or pilot the service, sign up to our newsletter or email admin@workinganimalsfederationofaustralia.com.au
Together, we can create a system that works with you, not against you.