Individual and Systems Advocacy

DRA’s work in the community seeks to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities by removing barriers and focusing efforts on accessibility to public services, education and benefits. As an Independent Living Center, we are at the forefront of advocating for access, choice, and self-determination for individuals with disabilities.

DRA can help advocate for the rights of individuals who have all types of disabilities on both an individual and a systems level.

Individual advocacy: Individual advocacy are advocacy services which help you learn to advocate for your own personal rights. These rights may include health care benefits, access to health care and housing as well as many more essential services. Self-advocacy is one of the most important skills anyone can have in their tool kit. DRA is dedicated to helping you learn to advocate for yourself in order to best maximize your choices and live an independent life.

Systems advocacy: Systems Advocacy usually involves working to change policies and remove the barriers people with disabilities face in their everyday lives. DRA staff and consumers partner together to make system changes, including those related to government policies, transportation, public accommodation, and housing.

If you are interested in learning more about DRA’s advocacy efforts and how you can become an advocate for your own rights, please contact DRA for more information.