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Our History

At some stage in the future, the Association would like to complete a detailed organisational history. If you have been involved with the Association (or 'Action Group') and would like to be interviewed or contribute in some other way to an organisational history project,
please register your interest via mail@acd.org.au.

1980/81
"In August 1980, a group of 6-8 people who had never spoken to, or set eyes on each other before met and formed lasting relationships. What did such a small group of people from such diverse backgrounds have in common? What brought these people together when normally their paths would never have crossed? They were all parents of children with a disability who were fighting to have services restored that had been ceased." Judi Hollingsworth from the 1989/90 Annual Report reflecting on the beginning of 'Action Group' (in future to become the Association for Children with a Disability).

1985/86
Formal incorporation as Action Group for Disabled Children occurs in November

1986/87
Address is still a PO Box - in Cheltenham

1987/88
Office space at 55 Victoria Parade Collingwood with the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria

1990/91
Move to office space in Ross House (Flinders Lane in the city).

1993/94
Success with submission to be the peak organisation for families of children with a disability. Substantial increase in government funding. Membership around 650. Move from Ross House to premises in William St. Richmond.

1994/95
Minor name change to put children first and disability second - Action Group for Children with a Disability.

1995/96
Decision taken to change name to the current Association for Children with a Disability. Membership increase from the hundreds to over 2,000. Through the Maze published. First print run of 3,000 gone in one week! Subsequent distribution of over 30,000 copies.

1996/97
Move from premises in Richmond to the current premises in Armadale

1997/98
The Association becomes a partner in the consortium running Disability Information Victoria. Membership at 2,500 and rising.

1998/99
Helping You and Your Family published

1999/2000
Success with advocacy to substantially increase funding to Regional Parent Support Co-ordinators Network.

2000/01
Successful 20th Anniversary Dinner. Over 650 people attend 'Taking the Next Step' Info Expo at Melbourne Park.

2001/02
5th edition of 'Through the Maze' published. Membership at 3,600 and rising. Record number of calls to parent support service.