01
Overview
Trains advocates to work alongside disabled people on rights, access and choice, grounded in the social model of disability. Covers representation, negotiation and the legal frameworks that support challenge.
02
Aims of the Course
- Apply the social model to advocacy practice
- Support people to exercise rights and choices
- Represent effectively in meetings and appeals
- Challenge inaccessible systems constructively
03
Course Structure
01
Models and Movements
- Medical versus social model
- Independent living movement history
- Nothing about us without us
- Intersectionality and disability
02
Rights and Legal Frameworks
- Equality and accessibility duties
- Reasonable adjustments explained
- Care and capacity legislation basics
- Complaints and appeal routes
03
Advocacy Practice
- Instructed and non-instructed advocacy
- Person-centred conversations
- Confidence and capacity to decide
- Boundaries of the advocate role
04
Representation Skills
- Preparing for meetings
- Presenting a case persuasively
- Negotiation and escalation
- Written advocacy and correspondence
05
Access and Inclusion
- Access audits of buildings and services
- Digital accessibility basics
- Communication access and interpreters
- Transport and independent living
06
Sustaining Advocacy
- Recording and confidentiality
- Working with families and carers
- Avoiding paternalism
- Supervision and self-protection
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Explain the social model of disability accurately
- 02Support a person to state and pursue a choice
- 03Represent a person effectively in a formal meeting
- 04Draft a clear written case for adjustment or appeal
- 05Complete a basic access audit
05
Assessment
- Mock representation assessment
- Access audit report
- Written rights and policy examination
06
Entry Requirements
- Open access; lived experience valued
07
Progression and Careers
- Independent advocate
- Access and inclusion officer
- Rights advice worker