Academic and disability advocate Dr George Taleporos has been appointed the new Chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC).

Dr Taleporos brings valuable experience to steer VDAC as it advises government on how to improve opportunities for people with disability and build a more inclusive society.

Dr Taleporos has a PhD in psychology and expertise in disability reform, youth engagement and advocacy. He also played a significant advocacy role in the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and is currently the Summer Foundation’s Policy Manager.

He became interim chair of the Council after former Chair Brent Phillips resigned late last year to take up another role.

VDAC also includes members Colin Hiscoe, Amanda Lawrie-Jones, Astrid Edwards, Caitlin Syer, Eliza Hull, Gabrielle Hall, Jax Jackie Brown, Karen Fankhauser, Martin Heng and Sholam Blustein.

This year VDAC has led community consultation and advised Government on key priority areas for the development of the next state disability plan – scheduled for release in December this year.

VDAC is also continuing to advise Government as part of its COVID-19 pandemic response on matters such as accessible communication, testing, treatment, and vaccination.

The Council’s three-year term ends July 2022.