Leadership/citizen participation: Perceived impact of advocacy activities by people with physical disabilities on access to health care, attendant care and social services

Increasingly, the climate of shrinking health care resources will impact access to health care for the people most vulnerable-those with disabilities. This study looked at the perceived impact of leadership and participation by people with physical disabilities and at their ability to gain increased access to health care, attendant care and social services. Respondents were randomly selected from Canada and the United States, from a pool of participants with physical disabilities serving in leadership roles within disability organizations in either country. Responses from a mail-out survey questionnaire were tabulated using logistic regression procedures to identify the perceived impact of advocacy activity on improved access to health care, attendant care and social services. Findings suggest that those who participated in advocacy activities Were significantly more likely to feel that their action improved access to health care resources, attendant care resources and social services. Advocates also perceived the impact of access for their family, local organizations, and at a regional/national level. This study highlights the value of consumer/citizen participation, and the vital role this action can play in collaboration with social work professionals for system changes, health resource planning and policy development.