Most of us, most of the time (or, at least, many of us much of the time), are
able to self-advocate. We can represent ourselves, we are listened to and acknowledged,
and our wishes and needs are addressed. In this manner we have influence upon
many important issues in our lives. Most of us take this state of affairs for
granted (like breathing air). Sometimes, however, people are not able - or find
it difficult- to advocate for themselves. When this happens people can feel
suffocated (deprived of air), misunderstood, frightened, alone, and they become
unable to speak for themselves. They are unable to self-advocate.
There are many reasons why a person might not be able to self-advocate but relatively
common "causes" include that they experience:-
- a mental illness or
- a loss of confidence or
- a learning disability or
- an autistic-spectrum disorder or
- a head injury or
- a language,or other communication, problem or
- a dementia or
- a "personality disorder" or
- substance misuse or
- discrimination or
- exclusion or
- being ignored or
- being dismissed by people in positions of control,
authority, or power.
Whatever the cause, people who are unable to self-advocate do experience
great distress and often have little,or no, control over important issues in their lives.
Advocacy, in the current context, seeks to address "powerlessness" and,
is simply:
The representation of the views, feelings and interests
of one person (or group of people) by another individual
or organisation.(Garner & Sandow, 1995).
BAS utilises suitably experienced and qualified paid staff, and
vetted, trained, and supervised volunteers, in order to further
the thoughts of (e.g.) Garner & Sandow.
BAS also attempts to foster confidence and self-reliance in its clients
- so that they may move away from dependency - and supports them should
they wish to self-advocate.
