Self-Advocacy Toolkit

Access the Toolkit

As a DFI member, you get exclusive access to the full Self-Advocacy Toolkit. Below, you’ll find an Overview and Resource 1, available to everyone. If you are a member, simply follow this link Advocacy Toolkit Request to unlock the full toolkit.

Not a member yet? Find out how to join DFI and gain full access to this and other valuable resources!

Overview and our Self-Advocacy Guide for Organisations

We’ve made two resources available to everyone so you can get started on your self-advocacy journey. The Overview is an introduction and a short guide to using the full toolkit.

The DFI Self-Advocacy Guide for Organisations is a step-by-step resource designed to help organisations establish, support, and sustain self-advocacy groups for people with disabilities.

It provides practical tools, checklists, and real-world examples to create environments where self-advocates can confidently express their needs, influence policies, and drive meaningful change.

Download Overview and Resource 1 here: 

DFI Toolkit Self Advocacy_web

Key sections include:

  • Understanding Self-Advocacy: Explains its importance in promoting independence, decision-making, and inclusion.
  • Types of Advocacy: Covers self-advocacy, peer, group, citizen, and professional advocacy.
  • Setting Up a Self-Advocacy Group: Offers a structured approach, including planning, member recruitment, goal setting, and facilitation tips.
  • Practical Tools: Provides meeting agendas, facilitator guides, and checklists to track progress and ensure engagement.
  • Real-World Impact: Showcases case studies, like Sarah’s story, where self-advocacy led to tangible community improvements.
  • Alignment with Policies: Connects self-advocacy to UNCRPD, HIQA, New Directions, and national disability strategies, ensuring that advocacy efforts contribute to broader systemic change.

Members-Only Access

To access the full DFI Self-Advocacy Toolkit, including practical guides, case studies, and templates, please follow this link Advocacy Toolkit Request.

Not a DFI member? Join today to unlock exclusive resources, support, and advocacy tools.

For any questions or support, contact us at toolkit@disability-federation.ie.

About the DFI Self-Advocacy Toolkit

The toolkit contains a suite of practical resources for people with disabilities, front-line workers and organisations to organise and create change. It promotes citizen engagement, participatory decision-making, and community inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies and services that affect them. The toolkit has been piloted and tested by self-advocates and front-line workers across five regions.

Why This Toolkit Matters

  • Empowers Individuals – Supports informed decision-making and independence.
  • Strengthens Systems – Enhances healthcare, education, and employment accessibility.
  • Bridges the Gap – Transforms UNCRPD commitments into real-world action.
  • Supports Policymakers & Service Providers – Embeds structured advocacy approaches into daily practice.