Villamanta began in 1990 and was incorporated on 5 July 1991 as an incorporated association. It works to make sure that people in Victoria with a disability, especially those with an intellectual disability, are able to know and protect their rights and do not face discrimination.
It is part of the National Disability Advocacy Programme (NDAP) funded by the Australian Government.
Villamanta is a Community Legal Centre operating throughout the state of Victoria on disability related legal and justice issues. Our focus is on intellectual disability.
Villamanta’s mission is to protect and advance the rights of Victorians with a disability by advising, informing and representing them and acting as an advocate on disability related legal and justice issues.
Villamanta’s vision is to be recognised as a leading provider of legal and justice related services for people with an intellectual disability and through our work, significantly contribute to creating an environment in Victoria in which people with a disability are acknowledged, recognised and respected equally with other Victorians and do not face discrimination.
Facilitating the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in our governance and activities.
Ensuring that our services are accessible to all those who need and can benefit from them.
Being open and transparent with clients and potential clients and those bodies that make our operations possible.
Being ethical, honest and courteous in all our internal and external dealings.
Villamanta is run by a community based Management Committee. Committee members are elected every year at the our Annual General Meeting. Anyone who is a member of Villamanta can nominate to be on the Management Committee.
Villamanta encourages anyone who supports its aims, in particular people who have a disability, to become members of the Service. It does not cost anything to become a member. Members have the right and power to have a say about the work Villamanta does.