Do you want to help make the world a more inclusive place for adults with disabilities? It's easier than you think! All it takes is some education and a willingness to speak up. In this blog post, Westside Community Focus in Portland, OR will discuss tips on how to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities.
Know Your Strengths
What are you passionate about? What do you want to see change in the world? When it comes to disability advocacy, there are many different issues to choose from. Do some research and find the issue or cause that speaks the most to you. Whether it's accessible public transportation, education reform, or employment equity, once you know your focus, you can start taking action.
Learn Your Responsibilities
If you're going to be an advocate, it's important to learn about the issues you care about. This way, when you're speaking with others or writing letters to elected officials, you can confidently share accurate information.
Prepare and Plan
Before you jump into taking action, it's important to take some time to prepare and plan. What are your goals? Who do you want to reach? How will you get your message across? Once you have a plan, you can start reaching out to others and making your voice heard.
Be Creative and Assertive
Advocacy takes many different forms, so don't be afraid to get creative! From writing letters and emails to organizing protests and rallies, there's no wrong way to advocate for the causes you care about. And remember, it's okay to be assertive! The more confident you are in your convictions, the more likely you are to make a difference.
Start advocating today and you'll be surprised at the impact you can make in the world. If you're interested in a career helping adults with disabilities, check out the career page on the Westside Community Focus website. One of our five different supported living communities located in the Portland, OR area may be just what you're looking for!