What is Citizen Advocacy?

A program of one to one or nearly one to one relationships between people with intellectual disability and unpaid members of the community.

Citizen Advocacy Western Sydney Inc. is:

• A community based government funded program operating in Parramatta, Blacktown and Balkham Hills council areas.
• A program that carefully matches a person with intellectual disability (including multiple disabilities) to an unpaid member of the community.
• One way in which to respond to a person with intellectual disability.
• A program where experienced professional staff provide assistance, training and ongoing support
• A program also currently trialling the provision of paid professional advocacy.

Citizen Advocates:

• Come from all walks of life.
• Are able to see the real person within.
• Bring all sorts of experience and interests to their advocacy role.

Why are Citizen Advocates needed.

• We all need a network of friends of family, friends and neighbors to care for, support and challenge us. However, many people with intellectual disability do not have those networks.
• Citizen Advocacy exists to link people with intellectual disability to caring members of the community to act as their Citizen Advocate.
• A Citizen Advocate is able to provide friendship and practical assistance to a person who may have no one in his/her life.

What is Intellectual Disability

• Approximately 3% of the population have an intellectual disability. Having an intellectual disability usually means it takes longer to learn and understand new things. With the right opportunities, support and assistance many people with intellectual disability can lead rich and rewarding lives.

Citizen Advocacy Western Sydney Inc is funded by Human Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care.