You work as a program coordinator for people with disabilities. How can you best advocate for your clients?

I have learned that “nothing about them without them” always works, there’s a lot that we need to learn when it comes to PwDs rights. They need to be consulted before any programming about them is designed. Their needs needs such as accessibility, interpretation and providing guides for them should be prioritized, including providing a budget for them.

Be patient and listen carefully to what the client's unique needs are. Communicate openly and frequently to understand the client's abilities and goals. Create a plan with milestones and feedbacks that help with reaching the client's goals. When you understand and build a strong build with your client, it helps you significantly to advocate more effectively.

As a program coordinator, advocate for your clients by striving for inclusivity and equal opportunities in all contexts. Educate others about disabilities and break down stereotypes. Understand each client's unique needs and preferences, and ensure their voices are heard. Work closely with policy makers, employers and community leaders for policy and systemic changes. Promote accessibility in physical and digital spaces. Stay informed about the rights of people with disabilities and continuously network with other organizations for collaborative efforts.

As a program coordinator for people with disabilities, advocating effectively involves understanding their unique needs and challenges. Begin by actively listening to your clients, ensuring their voices and preferences guide your advocacy efforts. Educate yourself on the latest policies, rights, and resources available to them. Build partnerships with local organizations, government bodies, and communities to create a strong support network. Raise awareness about disability issues. Develop and implement programs that empower your clients, focusing on accessibility, skill development, and independence. By championing their rights and facilitating access to resources, you can make a significant impact on their lives and well-being.

Know your clients by understanding challenges that negatively affect their lives. Understand their needs and empower them, by involving them in planning and implementation processes. Advocate for, with & by them; Give them a plat form where their views can be aired out and let their voices be heard!

Understanding the system for coordinating humanitarian programs for people with disabilities entails knowledge of legal frameworks, stakeholders, accessibility standards, funding mechanisms, coordination platforms, community engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.

Having worked with disabled youth and adults, the most important thing I've found is you must first focus on building the relationships. They need to trust you before you can help advocate/accommodate them. Using people first language is a great start to this trusting relationship, but overall, it is all about actions to prove you have their best interests in mind.

Siempre da resultados construir relaciones directamente con las personas con discapacidad, escuchar las necesidades de quienes enfrentan directamente las barreras y saben cómo resolverlas desde la forma vivencial. Elaborar o presentar programas para personas con discapacidad, sin la participación directa de las mismas, es seguir construyendo un modelo paternalista en el que los demás deciden por el usuario final. En ese sentido es clave involucrar a personas con discapacidad en el diseño de programas que busquen atender sus necesidades y siempre construir relaciones de interacción con ellas.

When I work with my clients as a program coordinator I take the time to listen to my clients. I listen to their past, I listen to their current situation and I listen to where they want to go, they create their own goals. I know the area which I am designated but if my clients plans are outside of my area, I still take it under my responsibility to do the best I can for them to assist them in achieving their goals!

Be proactive through asking for regular feedback from your clients to improve your advocacy strategies and ensure that your actions are respectful and effective.

Being proactive and respectful in advocacy, especially for program coordinators working with people with disabilities, involves anticipating the needs, active listening, and respectful representation; when speaking on behalf of you clients, ensure that you do so in a manner that honors their dignity and choices.

Working with people with disabilities requires one to regularly assess the effectiveness of services and supports provided to clients to ensure that you are truly meeting their needs. By doing so, it is encouraged to always solicit feedback and make necessary improvements to better meet their needs while advancing the services provided.

Encourage and support clients in advocating for themselves by providing information, resources, and guidance on their rights and available services.