Citizen Advocacy is one of the few organizations that supports people of all ages across disabilities spectrum and their families – those living with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health, age-related and multiple diagnoses challenges with emotional support animals.
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 neighbour 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.
Overview
CitizenAdvocacy.org, founded in 1974, is one of the few agencies supporting people of all ages across the disability spectrum. We are a place where people with disabilities and their families feel welcomed, safe, not judged, able to speak their minds and where they receive the recognition, guidance and support they are seeking. At Citizen Advocacy we recognize the resilience of individuals with disabilities and their families as they struggle for access to support and services. We look for innovative and creative ways to build healthy, safe and inclusive futures in our communities by enabling our visitors to discover and learn more about how we can connect people with emotional support animals and loving pets.
Vision
Our vision is of a community that welcomes and values the participation and contribution of all its citizens, including those who live with disabilities.
Mission
To enhance personal choice and community participation for persons living with disabilities through advocacy support.
Guiding Principal
Our guiding principle is to focus our resources on individuals who may be vulnerable because they lack a support network or who may have difficulty accessing needed services.
Beliefs & Values
- All people have the right to be valued, be visible, and to have a voice.
- People who live with a disability are first of all people with abilities and capabilities and have the right to develop and share these gifts.
- All people have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them.
- The community has a responsibility to safeguard the rights and well being of its most vulnerable citizens.
- The efforts of individual citizens are an indispensable component of carrying out this responsibility.
- Freely given friendship and support are basic necessities for health and quality of life, including the ability to develop and share one’s capacity and gifts.