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Advocating for people with disabilities means looking out for their needs, rights and interests. It involves speaking up, solving problems and supporting helpful actions. It's about promoting their independence as much as you can. Here, we explain how to stand up for the person you support.
Advocacy is when you stand up for what someone else wants, needs and deserves.
As the supporter of a person with disabilities, you might:
However, you can only truly stand up for someone else if you understand them. The person you support might have different goals than you do.
It is vital that people with disabilities:
Be as curious as you can about the needs of the person you support. What do they want? What matters to them? You can make suggestions, but asking and listening should be your first steps.
Self-advocacy groups are one way to support someone to speak up for themselves. You can share the Disability advocacy Network Australia website's Find and Advocate section (external link).
Sometimes you might need a disability advocacy service. You can learn more about these on the Disability Advocacy Network Australia website (external link).
Another helpful resource is the Carer Gateway website (external link).
When you help improve the situation of the person you support by taking action on their terms, you can make a positive difference in their life and yours.
If you become aware that the person you support has been treated unfairly, it's natural to feel:
However, advocacy is usually most effective when the advocate stays calm. Find a way to vent your feelings before you approach anyone about solving the problem.
To be an effective advocate:
Before you spring to action, ask yourself whether you're the best person to tackle the problem. Could the person you support do the job instead?
To help prepare the person you support to stand up for themselves:
This section of the website shares information to help families with disabilities live well. It talks about sex education and health. It describes how to support people with disabilities to make their own decisions without taking over. It offers help for family members, friends, and supporters of women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities.
Find out moreDiscrimination is treating someone unfairly. It is illegal to discriminate against someone because they have a disability. Yet, many people in our community say they experience discrimination. If you've been left out or faced unfairness or disrespect, there are ways to take action.
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