Advocating TipsWinter 2012

-know that when you speak up for your child with a disability, your supports will never be compromised.

-speaking up will only help your child’s cause

-make sure your child is registered on the Provincial Wait List for services and go through that process even if the Wait List seems hopeless. When funding is released, it only goes to those on the wait list.

-never lose your temper or use angry language

-always use people first in describing people with disabilities, ie: my son who has autism, a young woman who has Downs Syndrome, never say an autistic person or Downs person, etc

-always use facts

-read the Canadian and Ontario’s Human Rights Code and quote from it.

-decision makers that you are speaking to are ordinary people whether they be politicians, teachers, Board members, Cabinet Ministers or Premiers. Always speak with respect but also as a fellow human being. Speak to them like they are your neighbor.

-give recognition to the agency, school, Ministry, etc for the good work already done for people with disabilities and let them know you understand the difficulties they face.

-having people with you who are examples of success also helps.

-after a meeting or presentation, always thank people for their time and effort and appeal to them one last time using the language of “we are appealing to your generosity and understanding to do what is right”. This gives decision makers an opportunity to make themselves feel good by knowing they will be appreciated if they make the right decisions.

-government always like to use the budget and funding levels as an excuse for not funding what is needed. Always respond with “we understand that, but we feel that you are able to set priorities to budget for what is needed for people with disabilities.”

-the general public thinks that people with disabilities are always looked after by programs. Always use the opportunity to let them know that many people with disabilities are looking through the window at what “normal people” have and they are unable to have because of lack of support.

-try to relate your story or problem using terms others can relate to, an example would be to try and use their experience with life to relate to your own, such as the fact that you need child care for your grown child just like other parents with small children.

-try to find the similarities and differences to help others understand your challenges. Ie: my 21-year-old daughter functions as a 2 year old. I always say “can you imagine chasing a two year old in an adult body? She can run faster, climb higher and tantrum louder!”

-people in decision making positions may not always understand your challenges. You can help them not by just saying “I need this…..” but explain what is truly needed, why and most especially, what benefits will be reaped by it.

-decision makers also like to hear dollar figures. Try to research what things cost and exactly what you are talking about in terms of manpower and money. Sometimes decision makers think it is beyond what really is needed.

-most important, let decision makers know who you and your children are by yours and your childs presence or photos and briefly tell you and your families stories.

-learn what the levels of authority are and approach each level in order, ie: teacher, vice-principal, principal, superintendent, etc. As you move up the ladder, if you write letters, always cc those below that you have already spoken to. Let those you spoke to know you will be going to the next level respectfully.

-when you have exhausted the local levels, it is time to move on to the Ministry level. First go to your local MPP along with the Bureaucratic level which are the Regional Directors and Supervisiors, then on to the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) and then lastly the Minister and Premier.

-note that Bureaucrats and ADM’s are not elected. Ministers on up are and they have a different perspective. Remember that Ministers may not be fully aware of the issues within their Ministries, so prepare to be the teacher.

-when advocating to the Government, go first to the Opposition party. They are always clamoring to bring issues to the ruling party in the public eye and from the Legislature floor.

-always treat all the government parties equally, use all their strengths, never side with any party, only work with them.

-if you decide to go to public media, let the decision makers know you are doing this. When dealing with the media, have a media release ready to hand to them, which is a short concise statement of what your message is. This helps the press to quote you right and get the message right.

-if after all efforts fail, consider filing a Human Rights Complaint or Violation. It does not cost anything and can effect change.

Advocacy I’ve done for Emilia and the disability world that effected change:

-daily transportation to the Robarts/Amethyst Schools in London for students in Sarnia-Lambton-Miller Method therapy program enacted at Robarts and other Treatment Centres in Ontario for children with Autism (due to funding cuts, most have now disbanded)- changed the admission policy to the Provincial Schools for the Deaf to include students who are Deaf with added disabilities-rights of people who are deaf with added disabilities-was vocal and became parent spokesperson during the OPSEU strike in 2007-protested at Queens Park-filed lawsuit to have Prov Sch support staff deemed Essential. After a 5 year legal battle, won!-recent wording change to the Ministry’s Transition document.-Real People Campaign. Was successful in having 2 separate questions asked from the Legislature Floor, met with 2 Cabinet Ministers and 12 MPP’s to speak to the Wait List for services in Ontario. Many families who participated in the Real People Campaign, gained the supports they needed.-Bill 77-wait list clause--participated in consultations on Bill 77 and the Ministries Youth Transition Document. -initiated and worked on Information website for our area

Wilma Arthurs warthurs@ebtech.net

Through the Lens by Wil

please visit www.realpeoplecampaign.com to read stories of families coping with disability.