31/12/2022
As we continue our advocacy, we are guided by a few principles extracted from Crystal Baker a Lead accessibility Solutions Engineer.
We are all advocates, for the people we love and the causes we care about. Sometimes we advocate in one-on-one settings to ensure we or someone we love has the services they need and the rights they are entitled to. Sometimes we advocate for a cause, whether at the water cooler or at the dinner table. Other times we advocate more publicly through community organizations, conferences or social media.
Anyone can be an effective advocate. If you or someone you love is entitled to services or support they are not getting, step up. Remember, every time you advocate for yourself or someone close to you, you are also advocating for those that follow you.
Here are a few tips for becoming a better advocate.
Research. Information is power. You can only speak to what you are familiar with. Research the rights that pertain to you or the person you are advocating for. Talk with people who have gone through a similar journey and learned what worked and what didn’t work. Learn how different service systems operate and how other individuals or families have obtained similar things to what you need.
Preparation. Formulate your goals. Be as specific as possible about what you want to achieve and what actions need to happen. Write out what you want to say. Prepare notes about each of your concerns. Identify possible solutions that you feel will work. It is always best when approaching someone with a problem to have a few viable solutions. It is equally important to have an open mind to services and supports you may not be familiar with.
Audience. Identify the people that you need to talk with to achieve your goals. These are the people who have some authority to make decisions or who can help make things happen. Advocacy is more effective when you have allies. This may be a friend who simply attends the meetings with you to take notes or someone with an expertise in a specialized field. You do not have to advocate alone.
Communicate. Speak clearly and calmly. Refer to your list of goals and concerns. Listen attentively. What you hear may be as important as what you say. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is not just a great way to gain clarification and receive constructive feedback. It is also a way of opening a dialogue with someone who may be able to help you. Write down any questions you know you will want to ask. Consider using stories, if appropriate, to explain real life situations that explain the stakes or suggest potential solutions.
Records. Keep a record of all your meetings, including notes of what was discussed and follow up items that need to be addressed, etc. Keep track of the person’s name you spoke to, their title/position, date you met with them and any responses you received. Hold onto written documents such as letters and emails, too. Sometimes things will be promised verbally, but not actually acted upon. If something is promised or committed to, send a written confirmation to ensure there’s a record of the commitment. When a request is refused, ask to have the refusal explained in writing. This may be important if you’ are asking a third party to review the decision or considering seeking an appeal.
Persistent. You may not always see immediate results. Certain situations require persistence. The adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is very true when trying to advocate for a person with a disability. Rather than feeling frustrated or intimidated, continue to follow up until you feel your goals have been satisfied.
Tenacity. You may find yourself at a point where you feel you have done all you can on your own. In those instances, reach out to disability organizations to help you. When dealing with government programs and agencies, you may need to contact your elected officials after exhausting the regular channels in the government system. Don’t get discouraged. There may be times when you are not successful, no matter how hard you try. Remember, advocacy is about negotiation. What are the things you are willing to compromise on or settle for, if you cannot get what you want or need? The next best solution may be better than no solution at all. Bounce back from negative responses and don’t give up!
