The Advocacy Continuum Exercise 
MODULE IV


Introductions
Name

Part of state you are from

Experience with disability

Introduction to the Advocacy Continuum Exercise  		

Explore the range of advocacy activities
Helps define the role of the CAC as advisors

What is Advocacy?

Discussion 

Educating vs. Advocating 	

Educating is giving people information
Advocating is telling people what they should do, based on that information

Both are important tools

Choosing when it is appropriate to educate or advocate can help you reach your goal a faster

How does my role as Advisor to the UCEDD fit with my role as an Educator?

Educating as an Advisor

CAC members educate in the community:

Talking to policymakers about the resources of the UCEDD

Educating people in the disability system about values, resources, and best practices you have learned about through your experience advising the UCEDD

Educating other people who have disabilities, their family members, and community members about the resources of the UCEDD

How does my role as an Advisor to the UCEDD fit with my role as an Advocate?

Advocating as an Advisor

CAC members advocate at the UCEDD, both in and out of CAC meetings

“I know my son does not get his needs met in his IEP process: I would like to tell the UCEDD about my ideas to make the school system work better for students with disabilities.” 

“I know of community resources that could help this UCEDD project meet the needs of more people.”

Discussion
What are some examples of the following types of advocacy: 

Self-Advocacy

Advocacy for a family member

Advocacy for another individual

Systems Advocacy

Other?

Advocacy Continuum Exercise 

Using the examples you came up with, see where they fall on the Advocacy Continuum

Can any of these examples be considered more than one type of advocacy?

List all that apply on your Advocacy Continuum Worksheet 



Advising as an advocate	

People can both advocate and advise but they need to know what “hat” to wear for the situation

For example, you are a parent of a child with a disability participating in a CAC meeting.  
The “hat” you are wearing could read “advisor to UCEDD and parent.”  

Matching Roles
Advocacy Continuum Exercise	
Discussion	

Being a member of our UCEDD’s CAC

What does the UCEDD expect from me?

How does my experience help inform the UCEDD? 

What does the advisory committee do?

What does it mean to advise the UCEDD?

Questions