1. Leitrim Advocacy Service Supporting People with Disabilities “Providing Services to People with Disabilities ”

2. Leitrim Advocacy Service Target Group All people with disabilities both living in the community as well as those living in residential and supported accommodation Aim To support people with disabilities in county Leitrim to develop the self advocacy skills to participate meaningfully in their lives and within their communities

3. What Does Disability Advocate Do? A disability advocate represents or negotiates on behalf of a person with a disability or supports that person to speak up for themselves on an issue they have difficulty with. When the issue is sorted out the advocate isn't needed any more.

4. Issues advocate can support you with include…. Information Health Services Independent Living / Housing Social Welfare Negotiating with service providers……etc

5. Principles of Advocacy Act in the client’s best wishes Act in Accordance with clients wishes and instructions Keep the client properly informed Carry out instruction with diligence and competence Act independently Offer frank independent advice The Advocate should maintain rules of confidentially Act within the law

6. Difference - Expertise Independent Specialist Disability Advocacy Service Listen and guided by person's wishes and instructions Represent the person with a disability only

7. Referrals Self – Self Advocate Family/Carer Service Providers Healthcare Professionals Community and Voluntary Sector

8. Do YOU need an Advocate?

9. Contact Elaine Morris Disability Advocate Leitrim Advocacy Service c/o Citizens Information Service Bridge St. Drumshanbo Co. Leitrim (071) 9640995 leitrim.advocate@citinfo.ie