The Coalition's Advocacy Program

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The Tennessee Disability Coalition’s advocacy program is a specialized program of individual advocacy services available to people with mental retardation who have left or are leaving the state’s institutions. The Coalition was recruited by the State in 1996 to develop the program for individuals covered by the Remedial Order entered into by the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in United States v. State of Tennessee involving Arlington Developmental Center. Advocacy services later expanded to class members covered by the Settlement Agreement entered by the United States District Court in People First v. Clover Bottom et. al. for the Middle District of Tennessee. Presently, there are 17 advocates providing advocacy services to nearly 700 individuals.

Advocacy is about Relationships

Our advocates are hired on the basis of their caring dedication and willingness to work with individuals and their family members. Advocates receive extensive training and maintain focus on the person – responding to the individual’s preference, helping to explain options, and working to protect his or her rights.

Family Testimonial

“Our family is so blessed to have (the Tennessee Disability Coalition advocate) aboard. She is so compassionate, loving and concerned about D’s future, well being, wants, and needs….”

The individual may choose which advocate he or she wants from among the Coalition’s available advocates. Or, if no preference is made, an advocate will be assigned. Either way, the advocate selected seeks to build a trusting relationship with the person and with others who are important in the individual’s life.

What can an advocate do for people with disabilities?

Focus on the person’s wants and needs (in some cases, this means trying to find out what the person wants or decide if he or she can express himself/herself, and clearly let others know the person’s desires )

Protect a person’s rights, power, and authority (the advocate continually draws the Circle of Support’s attention back to the person),

·Support the person to gain competency, self-determination and respect

·Allow the person to choose or participate in the selection of their advocate

Result in a positive and active relationship with the individual.

Links to online Advocacy Resources

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