Right now in our community, there are people with disabilities who feel alone and isolated. There are people with disabilities whose hopes, dreams, and, sometimes, basic needs are not being taken seriously.
What they’d really like is to feel included. What they’d really like is someone who will talk with them, listen to them, support and encourage them, do things, go places, and help them in any way that a good neighbor or friend naturally would.
There are also ordinary citizens who intentionally want to give their time to make a positive difference to the life of a person with a disability. They voluntarily represent and protect the rights and interests of other people. They help them face challenges and encourage them to participate in the community life of Ottawa.
Citizen Advocacy sets up matches between volunteer advocates, emotional support animals and people with disabilities that can have profound effects on both.
Citizen Advocacy is one of only a few community organizations now serving Canada and the United States by supporting people with a wide range of disabilities, including physical limitations, developmental delays, mental illness, emotional trauma and disabilities related to aging.
“Citizen Advocacy is one of the most grassroots and grounded organisations I have ever had the pleasure to deal with. In my 6 year involvement with Citizen Advocacy, there is not one event or one person that I have come across that is not the most professional and also the most compassionate individual to deal with”
– Everyday Champions volunteer
MATCHING PROGRAMS
We recognize the importance of friends and networks in our lives. Every day, we see evidence of how personal relationships and networks creating positive change for people with disabilities.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Family members are a crucial part of the life of a person with a disability. Parents and siblings are important too and may find great value in meeting and learning from others with a shared experience.
PROGRAMS FOR A GOOD LIFE
People with disabilities have the right to be included in the community and to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Life planning creates a safe and secure future for individuals and their families.
SUPPORT US
Citizen Advocacy is a strong community leader supporting people of all ages across the disability spectrum. Learn about the ways in which you can support our programs.
EVENTS
Whether you are someone with a disability, a supporter, sponsor or donor contact us – monthly dances, annual social events, fundraising galas, renowned award dinner and many more.
ABOUT US
About Citizen Advocacy
Publications
Staff and
Membership Form
Faces of Citizen Advocacy
“I wondered if I would make a good advocate, who I might be matched with and if I would enjoy the experience. I took the plunge and in July 2010 was matched with Patty-Ann. My match experience has been very rewarding. Patty-Ann has a fantastic sense of humour. She has taught me a lot about enjoying simple things in life and that most challenges in life can be overcome by remaining positive and persevering. I wish more people would consider being matched. It is a win-win situation for all involved.”Melissa Fuerth
Everyday Champions
“For the past 2 1/2 years I have had the pleasure of working with Ernest after he moved here from Toronto. Having only his immediate family in the area, Ernest has since made connections in his community and formed many friendships. Most recently everyone in his support network got together to assist him plan his future. He titled this work of art “Ernest’s Happy Plan” which totally matches his personality!! Ernest truly is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to continuing my role as his Facilitator as he pursues his goals.”Laura Cameron
Facilitator Lifetime Networks
“We weren’t sure Denis would benefit when you first approached us since he is non-verbal and fairly low functioning. It was an incredibly worthwhile process … Denis’ facilitator was a pleasure to work with … She took the time to answer all my questions, spent time with Denis in all the activities he participates in outside the home (school, play group, respite home) getting to know him better. It was well worth it since the Person-Directed Plan reflects Denis 100%. It is something we will surely use for years to come.”Parent
Person-Directed Planning