EDS4804
ASSIGNMENT 4
2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE:
,EDS4804 ASSIGNMENT NO. 4
PUTTING ADVOCACY INTO ACTION
EXAM ANSWERS
QUESTION 1: Identifying the Need for Advocacy Support [35 Marks]
1.1 Define the concept of advocacy in the context of disability practice and
explain why. [5 marks]
Advocacy in disability practice refers to the process of supporting, empowering and
representing a person with a disability so that their rights, choices, interests and needs
are recognised and respected. Advocacy involves helping people with disabilities
access services, participate in decisions affecting their lives and challenge
discrimination, exclusion or violations of their rights.
Advocacy is important because people with disabilities may experience barriers that
prevent them from exercising their rights or expressing their preferences. These barriers
may be physical, social, communication-related or institutional. Effective advocacy
promotes equality, dignity, autonomy, inclusion and participation. It should,
whenever possible, enable the person with a disability to speak and act for themselves
rather than unnecessarily making decisions on their behalf.
1.2 Explain FOUR indicators a practitioner could use to identify that a person with
a disability requires advocacy support. [5 marks]
A practitioner may identify the need for advocacy support through the following
indicators:
1. The person's rights are being violated or ignored.
This may occur when a person experiences discrimination, abuse, neglect or
denial of access to appropriate services. Advocacy may be necessary to protect
the person's legal and human rights.
ASSIGNMENT 4
2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE:
,EDS4804 ASSIGNMENT NO. 4
PUTTING ADVOCACY INTO ACTION
EXAM ANSWERS
QUESTION 1: Identifying the Need for Advocacy Support [35 Marks]
1.1 Define the concept of advocacy in the context of disability practice and
explain why. [5 marks]
Advocacy in disability practice refers to the process of supporting, empowering and
representing a person with a disability so that their rights, choices, interests and needs
are recognised and respected. Advocacy involves helping people with disabilities
access services, participate in decisions affecting their lives and challenge
discrimination, exclusion or violations of their rights.
Advocacy is important because people with disabilities may experience barriers that
prevent them from exercising their rights or expressing their preferences. These barriers
may be physical, social, communication-related or institutional. Effective advocacy
promotes equality, dignity, autonomy, inclusion and participation. It should,
whenever possible, enable the person with a disability to speak and act for themselves
rather than unnecessarily making decisions on their behalf.
1.2 Explain FOUR indicators a practitioner could use to identify that a person with
a disability requires advocacy support. [5 marks]
A practitioner may identify the need for advocacy support through the following
indicators:
1. The person's rights are being violated or ignored.
This may occur when a person experiences discrimination, abuse, neglect or
denial of access to appropriate services. Advocacy may be necessary to protect
the person's legal and human rights.
