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RULES OF THUMB FOR ADVOCACY
Research shows the best outcome for advocacy is using the following ideas.
Be informed. Find out all you can about what you are advocating for. Find out any rules and regulations. Write things down so you can refer back to it if needed.
Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are given an answer and don't understand the answer, ask more questions about it.
Be prepared to answer questions. In order for someone to understand what you are advocating for they will ask specific questions.
Keep your cool! Sometimes it is hard to stay calm when advocating for something. But losing control doesn't help the situation. It is great to be passionate about what you are advocating for but being rude does not provide the best outcome.
Be honest. Honesty is the best policy when advocating. If you are advocating to someone and are honest, and provide truthful information, that person will trust you and do what they can for a solution to your issue.
Address governmental officials appropriately. Examples: Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mayor Smith, Governor Smith, Senator Smith.
If you are advocating for someone else make sure you have permission to use their name. If you don't, and want to describe a certain real life situation, just describe the situation without using information that that person may not want you to use. For example: I have a friend with a disability, who lives in a rural community, and doesn't have any type of transportation to visit the doctor.
Several ways you can advocate: In person, letter writing, sending emails, by phone. Advocacy can even come in different forms such as: bumper stickers, signs or posters, or in clothing designs.
Advocating as a group. "The bigger the number, the better the outcome. Many disability organizations have disability awareness gatherings.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't give up!
Alabama Disability Fact Sheet
This link provides:
Information on Alabama Disability Statistics, including the amount of people on the home and community waivers "Waiting lists" as well as the cost difference between home and community services compared to nursing home services.
This is important information to share so please use this fact sheet as you advocate for home and community services.
OUR HOMES! NOT NURSING HOMES!
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Alabama Nursing Home Deficiency Reports
This link provides:
Information on the national organization (NOEWAIT) with useful information on advocating for an end to home and community services wait list. Includes a petition to end the wait list.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicad Services (CMS)
Letter from the State Medicaid Director discussing home and community based self directed services.
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Alabama Recovery and Stimulus Money
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