Non-profit organisation Self Advocacy Sydney, who provides resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has opened a new office in Katoomba's Parke Street.

The organisation, founded in 1982, has its primary office in Blacktown and another in Gosford, with the Katoomba office offering two training programs. The New Leaders program aims to teach younger individuals beneficial skills in the workforce while the Peer Support program offers discussions and a social network for clients.

"We have NDIS funding and 90 per cent of our workforce are people with intellectual disabilities," said Elouisa West, the New Leaders and Peer Support Team Leader at the Katoomba office. "[The board members] aim to give a voice to people that otherwise may not be heard."

Self Advocacy have been conducting video training sessions since COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020, with anywhere between 8 and 16 clients per session. Increased funding and a growing client base in Blacktown prompted the new office in the Blue Mountains.

"I think that there was a great need for [a Katoomba office]," said Ms West. "In this community, there aren't very many places that offer free training to people with intellectual disabilities. There was quite a gap in the market."

Jack is one client from the upper Blue Mountains who has participated in the free Leadership and Peer Support Training since December 2020.

"I think Self Advocacy helps me to support others and helps me to stand up for myself," said Jack. "I have been discriminated against in the workplace and manipulated in the past, and with learning leadership and peer support skills I can be more assertive."

"I really want to learn how to be better, listen better, and improve communication. I want to learn how to be heard and how to negotiate with people when it comes to justice and human rights. I think leadership training and peer support training will help me."

More information about Self Advocacy Sydney can be found on their website.