Citizen Advocate

I recently wrote about becoming a citizen advocate, providing advocacy support for people with disabilities. I will be able to use my life experience and communication skills to ensure their voices are heard. So, what does a Volunteer Citizen Advocate do?

My role is to support individuals with disabilities in developing new communication skills and helping them feel comfortable communicating in any way possible. Sometimes, people need assistance in navigating their daily lives. For instance, individuals with disabilities might require help in using a telephone, operating a new household appliance, interpreting a map, or understanding a public transportation schedule. As a Volunteer Citizen Advocate, I can support, teach, or assist people with disabilities to become as independent as possible by connecting them with programs that empower them to enhance their skills and community connections.

People with disabilities often have only paid support workers in their lives, which can limit their social interactions. Volunteer Citizen Advocates can help them step outside these relationships and engage with the broader community. Although developing a friendship is not the primary goal of a Volunteer Citizen Advocate, it often happens naturally. This friendship can enhance the Volunteer Citizen Advocate’s advocacy role and provide additional support to the person with a disability.