Thinking / Learning / Doing Advocacy. A Report on the National Advocacy Project of United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc

摘要

An advocacy project initiated by the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) in 1972 to respond to the needs of people with developmental disabilities is described. Three demonstration sites were selected for the project. The New York State model explored case management advocacy, systems reform, program brokerage, and consumer action. The San Mateo - Santa Clara counties model in California tested advocacy through activities in community organization, program development, and consumer group participation. The model in Milwaukee, Wisconsin investigated the private case advocate approach, community organization, program brokerage, and systems reform. Systems analysis and data collection were integral to all models. Components of the models may be applicable to other States, as demonstrated in three projects at replication sites (Greater Kansas City in Missouri and Kansas, Rhode Island, and Illinois). Advocacy coordinators were drawn into case advocacy, management, or brokerage and they felt that this often represented a diversion of their time and energy from primary advocacy functions. Exchanging information was one activity all coordinators found to be vital. The one support system on which coordinators were most dependent was the local advocacy advisory council. Guidelines regarding the responsibilities of local advocacy advisory councils and advocacy coordinators are presented. Supplementary information on the UCPA advocacy project is provided in 26 appendices.