For people with disabilities, families and caregivers
The Self-Advocacy Toolkit provides a collection of definitions, terminology, guidance, practice worksheets, and planning worksheets. It is a resource guide for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. It is also designed to help you build your skills to advocate for yourself in everyday life.
Self-Advocacy Soft Skills
How To: Self-Advocacy Tactics
Templates and Resources
Whether you want some help advocating to family members, healthcare providers, service providers, government agencies, or an employer, this toolkit will give you some helpful tips and resources to become the best advocate you can be.
At March of Dimes Canada, we recognize that living with a disability means advocating every day. Whether you choose to or not, you likely act as a self advocate regularly. There is plenty we can learn from you about being an amazing advocate. If you’d like to share any feedback about this toolkit, or ideas for future resources, please contact us at
advocacy@marchofdimes.ca.
Using this toolkit
There is no right or wrong way to use this toolkit. There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all advocacy, so you don’t need to read it in order. It’s designed to be used in whatever order makes the most sense for you, and you can pick and choose which parts are most useful.
If you’re not sure where to start, start here on the main page and see what jumps out at you.
If you’re looking for practical tools that you can use, the
templates are designed to be taken and repurposed for your own advocacy goals.
Or, take it step-by-step and start right here, at the beginning.
About March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change that will help the more than eight million people with disabilities across the country unlock the richness of their lives.
We serve, connect, and empower people living with disabilities to participate fully in life – on their own terms. Our work is grounded in the voices of the people we serve, built on a foundation of service, and backed by a 70-year history of success.
