The aim of this module is to learn about what disability advocacy is, why it exists, ableism and its effects on people with disability, and the mindset required to be an effective advocate.
or log in to view this course.
This course is a foundation in how to provide best practice individual advocacy. You will learn how a person with disability works through advocacy issues with the assistance of advocates from a fictional disability advocacy organisation – All Areas Advocacy.
Working through a series of real life scenarios you will get practical experience in applying the principles and skills of disability advocacy.
In this course you will learn:
- The mindset required to be an effective advocate
- The skills and advocacy principles advocates apply in their work
- How the intake process works
- Create an inclusive environment that makes your clients feel respected and heard
- Learn how to develop an advocacy plan
- How to apply decision making, judgement and negotiation skills in practical scenarios
- How to look after yourself as an advocate
This course is available to anyone, free of charge, through the DARU website.
Who is this course for?
This course is primarily designed for disability advocates working in funded disability advocacy organisations in Victoria. However, anyone who does advocacy in their everyday lives will find this course valuable, including:
- People with disability
- Parents and other family members
- Disability support workers
- Allied Health Professionals
- Government representatives.
Modules
1. What does it take to be a disability advocate?
2. Individual Advocacy
In this module we’ll hear first-hand from advocates who provide individual, self and systemic advocacy for people with disability. We will then look specifically at individual advocacy and introduce the skills and advocacy principles applied in their work.
3. Intake process
This module you will start working at All Areas Advocacy applying the principles and skills required to be an effective advocate. We will begin with the intake process and journey through to your initial meeting with the client.
4. How to be Inclusive
This module will build your competency in disability awareness and give you the confidence to create an inclusive environment that makes your clients feel respected and heard.
5. Managing advocacy cases
This module will start using your new advocacy skills in managing your own advocacy case by learning how to develop an advocacy plan, taking into consideration consent, privacy, conflict of interest and creating case notes.
6. Advocacy in Action
This module looks at more complicated cases where your decision making, judgement and negotiation skills will be put into practice.
7. Self care
Disability advocates can take on some emotionally draining cases. As a result, advocates can be highly susceptible to burnout and vicarious trauma. This module looks at how to look after yourself as an advocate.