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Advocate development in the field of developmental disabilities: a data-based conceptual model
F E Balcazar1, C B Keys, J F Bertram
1Research Unit (M/C 626), University of Illinois at Chicago 60608-6904, USA.
Mental Retardation
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This study introduces a three-stage advocate development taxonomy (beginner, involved, activist) for developmental disabilities. The research found that participants significantly increased advocacy actions and outcomes, with activists showing the greatest gains.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
Background:
- Advocacy is crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Understanding advocate development can enhance training effectiveness.
- Existing models of advocate development are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a taxonomy of advocate development.
- To identify distinct developmental stages in advocacy.
- To assess the impact of training on advocacy actions and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of a Partners in Policymaking program.
- Collected self-report data on advocacy from participants with disabilities and parents.
- Conducted semi-structured telephone interviews post-training.
Main Results:
- A three-stage taxonomy (beginner, involved, activist) was proposed.
- All participants showed significant improvements in advocacy actions and outcomes.
- The activist group reported twice as many outcomes as other participants.
Conclusions:
- The proposed taxonomy provides a framework for understanding advocate development.
- Advocacy training significantly enhances participant actions and outcomes.
- The taxonomy can inform recruitment and program design for advocacy training.