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Advocacy

What is advocacy?

Advocacy, in broad terms, is supporting the interests of an individual or group, with the aim of promoting and protecting their rights and welfare.

If a person with disability believes they have been disadvantaged or treated improperly (e.g. pressured to make a decision or choice, abused, neglected or discriminated against), they may want an advocate to actively support them to address the issue.

There are different types of advocacy, including:

  • 1. Individual—one-on-one approach addressing instances of discrimination or abuse.
  • 2. Systemic—works to influence or secure long-term changes to ensure the collective rights and interests of people with disability.
  • 3. Family—parents and family members act as advocates with and on behalf of a family member with disability.

Advocacy is not:

  • counselling
  • taking over a person's life or problems
  • making decisions for another person
  • providing mediation.

National Disability Advocacy Program

The National Disability Advocacy Program offers people with disability access to government-funded advocacy agencies. Visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs for full details of the program, including a list of advocacy services available in Queensland.

Parents as advocates

Speaking out on behalf of your child to achieve a better outcome in a difficult situation is advocating for your child. To ensure your advocacy is as effective as possible:

  • identify who is responsible for decision-making
  • be clear in the outcome you need
  • prioritise your concerns as there may not be time to address them all at once
  • stay calm and be factual rather than emotional
  • consider the issues others may raise and how they may respond
  • listen to others' views
  • negotiate a compromise if necessary
  • document your efforts
  • seek advice from an advocacy organisation if you need to.
Last updated:
16 April 2012

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