Evaluation of the Programme of Advocacy Services for People with Disabilities in the community and voluntary sector

摘要

There are 400,000 people with disabilities in Ireland. Of these, 24% are unable to carryudout everyday activities, while a further 43% experienced difficulty carrying out theseudsame activities. (CSO, 2008)1 Approximately 32,000 of people with disabilities live in audresidential home or hospital. People with disabilities can be marginalized in terms ofudhealth, housing, employment and social participation.udIn sustained endeavours to draw those who are marginalised from the periphery thereudhave been developments in legislation, social policy and programmes. The Programmeudof Advocacy for People with Disabilities in the Community and Voluntary Sector is oneudsuch programme that was developed by the Citizens Information Board2. TheudProgramme offers an advocacy service to those with disabilities who require anudindependent advocate to help them secure services that they might otherwise notudreceive. The advocates make a significant impact in the lives of those who used theudservice.