What is advocacy?

The term “advocacy” is used in many different ways and different contexts. In simple terms, “advocacy” refers to “actively supporting a cause”. WWAACC believes in providing the necessary information and resources to empower parents and caregivers to become active participants in the planning of programming and services for their child, and for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to learn self-advocacy skills.

WWAACC’s definition of Advocacy is:

“Actively supporting and raising awareness about the needs
of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders”

WWAACC engages in “advocacy” regarding the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families by:

• Providing information and resources to parents and caregivers so that they can make informed decisions regarding the needs for their child.
• Supporting parents and caregivers in their efforts to meet the needs of their child.
• Providing educational opportunities to parents and caregivers to empower them with knowledge that will assist them in advocating for the needs of their child.
• Providing educational opportunities for professionals to increase knowledge and understanding regarding the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
• Developing collaborative relationships with multiple systems of care in order to meet the needs of individuals with ASD.
• Providing opportunities for public awareness about ASD in order to increase understanding and acceptance in the community.

*WWAACC does not directly engage in activities for the purpose of influencing or changing legislation or policy, such as lobbying, nor does WWAACC participate in political activities or campaigns, or organize political activities or campaigns. WWAACC does not make financial contributions toward political activities or campaigns. WWAACC is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. Any information provided by WWAACC is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for legal advice.

There are organizations dedicated to legal and legislative advocacy. The following are examples of advocacy resources in Wisconsin and nationally:

Advocacy and Benefits Counseling for Health (ABC for Health), Inc. is a Wisconsin-based, nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to linking children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to health care benefits and services. ABC for Health’s mission is to provide information, advocacy tools, legal services and expert support needed to obtain, maintain, and finance healthcare coverage and services. http://www.abcforhealth.org

Autism Votes was established in the fall of 2007. Autism Speaks launched “Autism Votes” as a comprehensive grassroots advocacy program, coordinating activist efforts in support of federal and state legislative initiatives. The Autism Votes Chapter Advocacy Network is a group of elite volunteers who are dedicated to expanding involvement in autism advocacy. http://www.autismvotes.org

Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network
The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities has created DAWN, a network of people who care about disability issues. http://www.dawninfo.org

Disability Rights Wisconsin is a private non-profit organization which was founded in 1977. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise. We regularly challenge systems and society to create positive change and improve the lives of people with disabilities. http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/?s=autism

Wisconsin Autism Insurance Now is a coalition of advocates, families and providers who support legislation that requires insurance companies to cover autism services. http://www.autisminsurancenow.org

Wrightslaw is a comprehensive special education site that explains special education law in exhaustive depth, and also includes a Yellow Pages section where parents can find listings for advocates and special education lawyers in their local area. http://www.wrightslaw.com