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Ten Ways People with Disabilities Can Empower Themselves
Consumers must get control over their lives by exercising their moral rights to freedom and choice and by taking advantage of statutes and court decisions designed to empower them. What are the ways that consumers can win the struggle for equal opportunity and a chance at a better standard of living and quality of life? Here are 10 quick ideas to think about: 1. Write an editorial page article(s) for the local newspaper about cutting-edge issues affecting consumers. Focus on competence, not on charity. 2. Participate fully and as actively as possible in volunteer community activities as a regular community participant, not as a receiver of help, but as a giver of assistance. 3. Develop an ongoing positive relationship with your elected officials, not always as a lobbyist exclusively on disability issues, but more informally as a citizen. 4. Don't be shy about using any and all family, friends, or other contacts you have to advance issues or causes you see as necessary. 5. Become as informed as you possibly can on whatever issues are of key interest. Know the company well that you are interviewing for a job with, know the pet issues of an elected official, etc. 6. Take time to understand as thoroughly as possible the opposition's position to your views. If you want increased accessibility, or personal assistance help, or better transportation options, know why these things are not available. This will allow you to argue your case better. 7. When arguing for a case or a particular position, have a fallback plan that you are willing to accept, at least for a while. Always look for a way to work out a problem so that you can return to the table for more later. Give the other side a reasonable option to take as a compromise. 8. Know your rights, not just on specific issues, but to what you are and are not entitled. It is sad but true: the squeaky wheel often does get the grease. 9. Identify key leaders in the disability field within your community. Get to know these people and build relationships that may ultimately be beneficial. 10. Identify other consumers who have succeeded at an issue. Talk to them and see what they did or know that you do not. Use their strategies to help you do what you want. In many ways we live in a golden age of rights, freedom, and choice. Yes, it does seem at times that some people are more equal than others-who would argue with that? On the other hand, opportunities are at hand for these consumers or their advocates who want to get help. Consumer empowerment starts with the consumer. It is time for consumers to take back control over their destiny. Paul Wehman, PhD |
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