SELF ADVOCACY

Everyone has basic rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights/Convention on the Rights of the Child/Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities; the Child and Youth Charter of Simcoe County Child, Youth and Family Coalition. These rights protect you from discrimination due to:

• Ancestry
• Colour, race
• Age
• Citizenship
• Language
• Disability (physical, developmental, mental health)
• Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• Ethnic origin
• Place of origin
• Culture, creed
• Family or marital status
• Gender identity or expression
• Receipt of public assistance
• Record of offences
• Sexual orientation

If you are a person served by Catulpa Community Support Services, you are also protected under the Catulpa Community Support Services’ Statement of Rights for Persons Served.

You have the same responsibilities as all other Canadians. These include:

• Obeying the law
• Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family
• Serving on a jury
• Voting in elections
• Helping others in the community
• Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment

You have the right and the responsibility to give any agency or service provider feedback and tell them how they can give you the best possible service.

It is usually a good idea to solve one problem at a time. Write down the problem and what you would like to happen so you can start planning how to solve the issue. Ask yourself:

• What is the problem?
• How do I feel when the problem happens?
• Why do I feel that way when the problem happens?
• Who is causing the problem?
• When does the problem happen the most?
• Where does the problem happen the most?
• What do I want to happen?
• What do I need to change?
• Who is the best person to speak to?

It’s all part of the work you need to do to solve your problem. Be confident that you have worked hard to solve the problem when you speak to others. The more decisions you make for yourself the more things you will learn you can do and the better you will feel about yourself.

Sometimes you may need to be a little more assertive to solve your problem. This does not mean you should behave badly. Respectful speaking and listening and the knowing of your rights gives you the confidence and understanding to be firm as you work to solve your problem.

It is important that the person you choose to support you does not speak for you. They should let you decide what you want to do. They are there to give you encouragement and to assist as you talk about how you are feeling and how you are going to solve your problem. They can help with letter writing or speak in meetings if you need assistance.

Be prepared. It is important you gather as much information, including documentation, as you can about your problem. Know your rights and responsibilities.

Think about a few different ways to solve your problem. One will seem best to you, but others may also be okay. Talk about them with your support person. Plan how you will reach the solution. Will it be a chat, a telephone call, a letter or a meeting? Practice with your support person.

You are prepared with your documents and you have arranged to speak with the person. During the call or meeting it is important to control your emotions. Stay relaxed so the discussion remains respectful.

It is important that you understand what others are saying. Ask questions and repeat what you hear to make sure it is correct. Write down, or have someone else write down what is said by each person so you can remember later. This information can support your case.

You may need to negotiate if the change you want is not the same as the thoughts of the other person. Remember to firmly ask for what you want so that you can work together to find a solution for both of you. It may not be exactly what you hoped for, but it is acceptable to you.

If an agreement is not made, you have the right to ask to speak to more senior people in the organization, ask someone to advocate for you, or make a formal complaint, according to each agency’s complaints process.

You also have the right to inform your local member of parliament or a cabinet minister.

If an agreement is made, send a letter outlining what was agreed upon.

Always show respect to the people you are speaking up to. Thank people who are helping you solve the problem. A letter can be sent to do this. You may want to have someone assist you, or show someone the letter you write on your own before it is mailed.

A problem solving letter should include the reason you are writing and what the problem is, why the problem needs solved, the solution you have decided would be best and a thank you for their help.

A thank you letter should include what has happened and a thank you to the person who supported the change.
You can learn more and complete self-advocacy training exercises by clicking here. NEED LINK