Systems Change Advocacy

What is Systems Change Advocacy?

Systems Change Advocacy is defined as the process of changing policies to make government, transportation, and housing systems more accessible to people with disabilities.

  • It involves removing barriers and increasing community access for all people, including people with disabilities.
  • Working in partnerships with other individuals and organizations with similar goals enables change to be made.

Community advocacy may involve consumers, center staff, board members and volunteers. These groups of people initiate activities to make changes in the community, which makes it easier for all persons with disabilities to live independently in communities.

Ability 1st Utah is designed to work with people that alert us to issues that have presented barriers in accessing community facilities and services.

Speaking up for yourself or someone else.

Know it when you see it:

  • One person is a person in need.
  • Two people is a race.
  • Three people is a party.
  • Four people is a protest.
  • Five people is a national movement.
  • Fifteen people is a revolution!

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”

Margaret Mead

Asking for what you want!

  • Talk to someone who has the power to make a change
  • Send a letter
  • Work with the supervisor or person in charge

 

Taking an action!

  • Make a call
  • Send an email
  • Send a letter – don’t forget to sign it!
  • Write a letter to the editor
  • Write a newsletter article on an issue
  • Talk to the media (news reporter, radio announcer, etc.)

Talk to a policy-maker

  • File an appeal or grievance when you don’t agree with a service provider’s decision
  • File an ADA complaint with the Utah Attorney General or U.S. Department of Justice
  • Learn your rights and responsibilities
  • Volunteer on a political campaign – this can get you their ear if they win!

Use your Civil Rights

  • File an appeal or grievance when you don’t agree with a service provider’s decision
  • File an ADA complaint with the Utah Attorney General or U.S. Department of Justice
  • Learn your rights and responsibilities
  • Volunteer on a political campaign – this can get you their ear if they win!
  • Start or sign a petition