Consumer, Family and Community Advocacy

PST 615 Consumer, Family, and Community Advocacy (CFCA) (1-3 credits) course is an intensive seminar for deaf and hard of hearing consumers and parents of deaf and hard of hearing children who are interested in improving the quality of life for themselves and/or their families through advocacy. Utilizing hands-on activities, role-playing scenarios, group discussions and guest speakers, this program is geared toward developing and improving the participants' knowledge of advocacy and the strategies and skills to become an effective advocate. Participants will receive practical inside strategies on how to increase the impact of their own individual advocacy efforts. A road-map is used to tailor the course to individuals' personal advocacy efforts. Program materials include carefully selected readings covering a range of advocacy issues.

• Application knowledge of M & M and AAA approaches in political process
• Knowledge of the role and importance of collaboration in advocacy
• Knowledge of advocacy strategies and tools
• Strategies for expanding involvement of individuals and communities in politics and policy development
• Participants will develop strategies for utilizing media in advocacy efforts.
• Advocacy plan
• Certificate of attendance and participation